European Council President reacts to Orban's plans to visit Putin

Photo: President of the European Council Charles Michel (Getty Images)

Even though Hungary holds the presidency of the European Union, it has no mandate to interact with the Russian Federation on behalf of the Union, according to the President of the European Council Charles Michel.

"The EU rotating presidency has no mandate to engage with Russia on behalf of the EU," stated Michel.

He emphasized that the European Council has a clear position: Russia is the aggressor, and Ukraine is the victim. No discussions about Ukraine can take place without Ukraine.

This statement by the President of the European Council came after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced that he would go to Moscow tomorrow, July 5, to meet with Vladimir Putin.

This happened almost immediately after Orban arrived in Kyiv this week. It should be noted that this was the first visit of the Prime Minister in more than 10 years.