EU Parliament Condemns Hungarian PM Orban Over Putin Meeting

The European Parliament has strongly criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for his recent meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The diplomatic move, part of Budapest's self-proclaimed Ukraine 'peace mission,' has not been backed by the European Union.

Orban faced additional rebuke for his unsanctioned visits to Russia and China, where he met President Xi Jinping. The Parliament condemned these actions, stating they violate EU Treaties and common foreign policy. Hungary started its six-month EU presidency this October, but this role does not permit Orban to conduct EU diplomacy.

A parliamentary resolution passed with 495 out of 679 votes condemned Orban's Russia visit and stressed the potential consequences for Hungary. The resolution also reaffirmed EU's unwavering support for Ukraine, pressing Hungary to lift its block on military aid refunding through the European Peace Facility. Meanwhile, Hungary's Foreign Minister defended Orban's actions, deeming it unfair to stigmatize the country for advocating diplomacy.

(With inputs from agencies.)