White House calls Orbán's meeting with Putin 'counterproductive'

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Moscow. -/Kremlin/dpa

The White House said it is "concerned" about Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's surprise trip on Friday to Moscow, where he met Russian President Vladimir Putin and discussed the war in Ukraine.

The behaviour of the Hungarian leader is "counterproductive" in terms of supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and does not contribute to peace in the country invaded by Russia, said US President Joe Biden's spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre.

"Russia could end this war today by stopping their aggression against Ukraine, against their sovereignty, against their democracy. They can withdraw. They can withdraw right now," she said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban during their meeting in Moscow. -/Kremlin/dpa