In a significant move, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán traveled to Kyiv on Tuesday for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking his first visit to the neighboring country since Russia's invasion in February 2022. As Budapest has repeatedly deviated from the European Union's stance on Russia and leaned towards Moscow, Orbán's visit signified a rare gesture in a relationship plagued by tensions.

Orbán is known as Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest ally within the EU, often impeding EU efforts to support Ukraine and impose sanctions on Moscow over the ongoing war. This has not only frustrated Zelenskyy but also other EU leaders who have sought united action against Russia. The delay in providing crucial Western military aid to Ukraine has left the Ukrainian army vulnerable against the better-equipped forces of the Kremlin.

Bertalan Havasi, Orbán's press chief, confirmed the visit, emphasizing that it would provide an opportunity for building peace amidst Ukraine's struggle against Russia's invasion. A photograph released by Orbán's press office portrayed the two leaders facing each other across a small round table, adorned with their national flags and an EU flag against a wall.

However, the frosty nature of relations between the two countries was evident as Kyiv had not yet confirmed Orbán's arrival, departing from the usual protocol for VIP visits.

Coincidentally, Hungary recently assumed the six-month rotating presidency of the European Union, a role that carries little real power but can set the tone for the bloc's agenda. Hungarian officials have expressed their intent to act as "honest brokers," although concerns have been raised about Hungary's democratic track record.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov downplayed the significance of Orbán's visit, stating that Hungary must fulfill its EU presidency duties, with no particular expectations for the outcome. Orbán has previously accused Ukraine of mistreating the ethnic Hungarian minority in the western region of Zakarpattia, using it as justification for his refusal to provide weapons or allow their transfer across the shared border.

Critics have long accused Orbán of dismantling democratic institutions within Hungary and obstructing key EU policy priorities. The European Union has frozen over $20 billion in funding to Budapest due to alleged rule-of-law and corruption violations. Orbán has consistently conducted anti-EU campaigns, portraying the union as an overcentralized and repressive organization.

Furthermore, Orbán's visit comes as he actively seeks to establish a new nationalist alliance, aiming to create the largest right-wing group in the European Parliament. In a recent meeting in Vienna, Orbán announced the formation of the "Patriots for Europe" alliance alongside leaders from Austria's far-right Freedom Party and the main Czech opposition party. To successfully form a group in the European Parliament, they would need to attract lawmakers from at least four more EU countries.

While right-wing nationalist parties across Europe have gained strength in the European Parliament elections held in June, ideological differences over the war in Ukraine and cooperation with Russia have prevented deeper alliances among some of these parties. Orbán's efforts to recruit members into the new alliance reflect his ongoing quest to shape European politics in line with his nationalist agenda.