"Destruction of Europe in Head": Orban shook Putin's hand, the world's reaction
The media noted that in Beijing Putin first met with a high-ranking official of the EU Member Country since the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest. Moreover, Hungary declared not to arrest the Russian leader even if he visits the country. Czech President Petro Pavel stated that Moscow seeks to terminate the unity of Europe, and recalled the ineffectivity of negotiations with the aggressor country.
"As it has been shown repeatedly, Putin does not meet European leaders to reach peace in Ukraine. Peace can be achieved without any negotiations on his part by simply ceasing attacks and taking his troops out of the territory of Ukraine. He holds these meetings only in order to terminate the unity of European countries and the entire democratic world. We should not be tactful, "he said. Estonia Prime Minister Kai Callas called a photo with Orban and Putin's handshake "very unpleasant".
She noted that the meeting of politicians in Beijing contradicts logic. Former Prime Minister of Belgium and the European Parliament Member of Guy Vergofstadt called Putin "the best friend of Orban" and reminded the Hungarian colleague to whom he shook his hand. "Ukrainian blood is on his hands, the destruction of Europe in his head," Vergofstadt emphasized.
The US Ambassador to Hungary, David Presman, also criticized Orban, reminding the responsibility of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for crimes against humanity in Ukraine. "While Russia strikes peaceful Ukrainians, Hungary begs for business agreements," Presman said. He added that not only Hungary Prime Minister was ready to "stand together" with the leader of the aggressor country.
Germany's ambassador to Hungary Yulia Gross I ironically suggested that the leaders probably met to discuss the military crimes of Russian invaders. "So, Putin should stop his invading war against Ukraine, stop the bombing of civilians, shelling of schools and hospitals, kidnapping children? It was meant and discussed, probably," she said. According to the media, the meeting of Orban with Putin has caused anxiety among Hungarian allies on the Alliance.
In particular, NATO Member Ambassadors, including Sweden, convened an urgent meeting in Budapest on October 19. Politicians discussed the situation in Beijing. Recall that the meeting of the Prime Minister of Hungary Victor Orban and Russian President Vladimir Putin was also reacted in Ukraine. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed his hope that the Hungarian politician "at least washed and disinfected his hands after a handshake.