European leaders seethe over Putin-Orbán meeting
GuardianAUG 2023
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán Visits Moscow
Image copyright: Mikhail Svetlov/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The West shouldn't trust Orbán, as he undermines its unity in Ukraine. Orbán's actions — such as blocking the EU's budget support for Kyiv — highlight his obstructionist agenda, and Hungary's EU presidency threatens European cohesion and values.
Establishment-critical narrative
The West's approach to international diplomacy is slow and ineffective. Orbán has advocated for faster, alternative solutions to achieving peace and suggested an immediate cease-fire between Ukraine and Russia to end the conflict. Meanwhile, the EU's current strategies have prolonged the war and caused instability.