In a leaked letter addressed to European Council President Charles Michel, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has outlined Russian President Vladimir Putin's position on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and proposed the European Union (EU) take the lead in resolving the crisis. The letter, dated July 5 and seen by POLITICO, comes after a whirlwind week of diplomatic visits by Orbán to Kyiv, Moscow, and Beijing, where he described his mission as a "peace mission" for Ukraine.

Orbán's letter highlights Putin's perspective that time is in favor of the Russian forces and that the Ukrainian forces face significant monthly losses and casualties, estimated at 40,000 to 50,000 soldiers. However, Orbán fails to acknowledge Putin's responsibility for launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine earlier this year.

The Hungarian leader suggests that Moscow is open to considering a ceasefire proposal, under the condition that it does not involve the relocation and reorganization of Ukrainian forces, although he does not elaborate on Putin's intentions behind this statement. Orbán also emphasizes the need for direct dialogue and unblocked diplomatic channels between the parties involved in order to create the conditions for lasting peace.

The EU, in response to the invasion, has imposed extensive sanctions on Russia and largely cut off communications with Moscow. Orbán's letter signals his intention to engage with the Kremlin despite the EU's stance. EU ambassadors in Brussels are scheduled to discuss Orbán's recent trips, with observers noting that the letter does not align with the collective efforts of the European Council over the past few years.

While Orbán expresses belief in the possibility of a ceasefire and peace talks, he warns of increasingly dramatic losses and military developments on the frontlines if the war continues. The Hungarian PM expresses concerns about the limited political leadership from the United States due to the ongoing presidential election, suggesting that Europe should take the initiative to resolve the conflict and promote European strategic autonomy.

However, Orbán's peace mission is met with skepticism and doubts about its potential success. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Orbán's attempt at interlocution with the Kremlin following a recent Russian attack on a children's hospital in Kyiv.

Despite the setback, Orbán remains undeterred, stating in the leaked letter that he will continue talks next week to explore opportunities for peace. The discussion among EU ambassadors on Wednesday is anticipated to shed further light on Orbán's discussions and interactions during his visits.

As tensions continue to escalate in Ukraine, European leaders face mounting pressure to find a sustainable solution to the conflict. Whether Orbán's proposal for European leadership gains traction remains to be seen, but it underscores the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the crisis and secure lasting peace in the region.