In confidential reports obtained by Spanish news outlet El Pais, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called on the European Union (EU) to initiate peace talks in Ukraine, excluding the United States and involving China. The reports highlight Orban's discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visits to Moscow and Beijing respectively.

Orban reportedly conveyed messages from Putin and Xi, suggesting that the EU take the lead in resolving the conflict in Ukraine. The Hungarian Prime Minister asserted that Russia and China anticipate the commencement of peace talks in Ukraine before the end of 2024.

During his meeting with Putin, Orban stated that the Russian President was open to ceasefire proposals, although the conditions set would effectively mean the surrender of Ukrainian troops. Orban emphasized the importance of seizing the opportunity for peace talks, urging the EU to take action "in the spirit of European strategic autonomy," as the United States' involvement is limited due to the ongoing election campaign.

In a separate confidential report, detailing his conversations with Xi, Orban discussed the upcoming November elections in the United States and their potential impact on peace talks. According to Orban, Xi made no comments on the possibility of rapid and intensive peace negotiations. Orban proposed the idea that a newly elected US president would face pressure to achieve quick political results and suggested that a ceasefire preceding peace talks could be in the interest of a new administration.

Orban also conveyed Xi's perspective that China sees itself as an "honest mediator" in the conflict. He shared Beijing's message regarding their own 12-point peace formula, which did not adequately consider Ukraine's territorial sovereignty. Orban claimed that Xi views China's policy as one of peace, contrasting it with what he perceives as a policy of war pursued by the United States and Europe, with European nations automatically following the American line.

Both confidential reports emphasized that Orban's visits to Moscow and Beijing were undertaken after Hungary assumed the six-month rotating presidency in the EU Council, without the bloc's sanction. It remains unclear how El Pais obtained access to these confidential reports.

Orban defended his actions and dismissed criticisms of his unsanctioned visits, asserting that he did not present any proposals on behalf of the European Council. Despite Russia's unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Hungary continues to align itself as a staunch ally of the Kremlin.

The revelations in these confidential reports serve to shed light on Orban's perspectives and discussions with influential leaders, prompting questions regarding Europe's approach to resolving the conflict in Ukraine and its relationship with the United States.