KYIV, Ukraine — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s visit to Kyiv marked a significant moment in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion more than two years ago. Despite being a member of NATO, Orban has been a vocal critic of providing Ukraine with military aid, which has strained the relationship between the two neighboring countries.

During his meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Orban emphasized the importance of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as a critical issue for Europe. This meeting comes as Hungary assumes the six-month rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, providing Orban with a platform to voice his views that may not align with Ukraine’s demands for additional support.

Orban’s stance on blocking or weakening European efforts to assist Ukraine has left Zelensky frustrated, particularly as Hungary does not allow donated Western weapons to be transferred to Ukraine across their shared border. Despite this, Hungarian officials attended a peace conference organized by Ukraine in Switzerland, where they supported a joint statement emphasizing Ukraine’s territorial integrity as fundamental to any potential peace agreement.

The visit also highlighted Orban’s suggestion for Ukraine to agree to a cease-fire with Russia as a starting point for negotiations, a proposal that Zelensky did not directly address. Additionally, Budapest has raised concerns about the treatment of its Hungarian minority in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region, presenting a list of conditions related to their legal protection before agreeing to Ukraine’s EU membership.

Orban’s alignment with far-right parties within the EU has drawn criticism from some lawmakers who question Hungary’s ability to hold the rotating presidency, given its pro-Russian views and opposition to EU sanctions on Russia. However, Orban’s recent success in the European Parliament elections, along with broader right-wing victories in other European countries, may embolden him to further push his agenda that could impact relationships within the EU.

Overall, the meeting between Orban and Zelensky underscores the complexities of European politics in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as different leaders navigate divergent priorities and alliances within the region. As Orban seeks to establish himself as a constructive actor for peace, the dynamics among key European players continue to evolve in response to the changing political landscape.