Washington Post: Orban's visit to China is a diplomatic victory for Putin and the multipolarity he is working hard to establish

The Washington Post reported that the meeting between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Chinese President Xi Jinping clearly demonstrates the implementation of the multipolarity that Russian President Vladimir Putin talks about.

The newspaper said in an article published on Monday that "the appearance of Orban and Xi Jinping together represents a diplomatic victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has long called for a multipolar, non-Western world order."

The newspaper pointed out that the Russian leader also confirmed the involvement of the United States and Britain in prolonging the conflict in Ukraine.

Orban's visit to China came just hours before Putin received Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a state visit to Moscow, the article summarized.

Orban called on Chinese leader Xi Jinping to make a global effort to push Russia and Ukraine toward a "ceasefire."

Putin receives Orban, asks him to inform him about the position of Hungary and the European Union on the situation around Ukraine

Xi praised Orban's diplomatic efforts, which have drawn sharp criticism in the West for pressuring Kiev to hand over territory reclaimed by Moscow during the crisis.

Orban and his accompanying delegation visited Moscow last Friday and held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, days after Hungary assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.

For his part, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto called on European politicians to "tighten their belts" in preparation for Orban's upcoming actions as part of the "peace mission."

Earlier, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Orban had not received a mandate from the EU to visit Russia and that Brussels was ruling out formal contacts with Moscow.

"Hungary now holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union until December 31, 2024, which does not give it representation of the European Union abroad," he added, noting that he is responsible for the EU's foreign policy alongside the (outgoing) President of the European Council, Charles Michel.

In response to Borrell, Orban said that he is in contact with the Russian side regarding the Ukrainian crisis and will represent only his country, not the European Union.

Western media quoted Orban as saying: "I do not need to obtain a mandate from the European Union and the international front because I do not represent anyone and I speak on behalf of my country."

Orban visited Kyiv last Tuesday for the first time in 12 years, where  he proposed to Zelensky a ceasefire and the start of negotiations with Russia .

President Putin constantly stresses Russia's readiness for peace and that  any negotiations must take into account the new reality on the ground , and Russia's security demands.