Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, it has been sailing against the tide of its European partners. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban will be received this Monday evening by Emmanuel Macron for a working dinner on Monday before the European Council on March 23 and 24, the Elysée announced on Friday. “The two leaders will address ongoing discussions at European level, including support for Ukraine, strengthening European competitiveness, energy issues and support for the European defense industry.“, specified the French presidency.
Viktor Orban, who continues to castigate the “indirect war” led by Europe against Russia, launched a new call at the end of February for a ceasefire in the conflict which has been ravaging Ukraine for a year. Since the start of the Russian offensive in February 2022, the Hungarian government, whose country is highly dependent on Russian hydrocarbon imports, has maintained an ambiguous position, refraining from criticizing the Russian president.