Orban Calls on Europe to Conclude a Direct Security Agreement with Russia

The Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban urged European leaders to head to Moscow to conclude a security agreement between the European Union and Russia, indicating that this agreement should encompass European security in general and not just the Ukraine file.

Orban said in a speech on Sunday: "Europe should not knock on Washington's door, but rather go to Moscow to conclude an agreement on security between the European Union and Russia." He added that the agreement could stipulate that Ukraine does not join NATO, with the possibility of reaching a "compromise" through strategic cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union, which Hungary may support.

Orban pointed out that accepting Ukraine into the European Union without an agreement with Russia could lead to a conflict that harms the European economy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently confirmed that Moscow does not oppose Ukraine joining the European Union, but firmly rejects its accession to NATO, considering it a threat to its security interests.