Orbán likely aiming to shift Western focus from support for Ukraine towards possible ‘peace’ talks - ISW

This is said in a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), according to Ukrinform.

As noted, Orbán continues to posture himself as a potential mediator to end the war in Ukraine despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's rejection of mediation or serious negotiations

Experts point out that Orbán published an op-ed in Newsweek on July 5 in which he accused NATO of choosing conflict over peace and stated that NATO was established to maintain peace

“Orbán's efforts to push for negotiations are likely part of his ongoing effort to shift European focus to discussions about peace negotiations and away from discussions about military support for Ukraine,” the report says.

ISW notes that Orbán has consistently opposed and undermined the European Union's efforts to provide military assistance to Ukraine, and shifting Europe's focus away from military assistance supports this broader aim now that Hungary has assumed the EU Council presidency

“Ukraine's ability to pursue its own peace process is contingent on its ability to liberate operationally-significant territory,” analysts noted, adding that Ukraine cannot undertake successful counteroffensive efforts in support of this aim without Western military support in the near- and medium-terms.

As Ukrinform reported, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán visited Moscow on July 5, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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