Orban wants to go to Tambov

Not to mention Ukraine: Orbán's statements could easily be compiled into a collection of the most cynical and brutal quotes from top Russian propagandists. Regarding racism, his phrase, "we don't want to be peoples of mixed races," is a line worthy of praise from Nazi "anthropologist" Goebbels.

Now, fueled by his fantasy of "occupying Brussels" during Hungary's temporary EU presidency, Orbán decided to outdo himself. He donned the toga of a "peacemaker," flooding the information space with messages about his self-proclaimed "mission"—talks with dictator Putin and autocrat Xi about resolving the "conflict in Ukraine." This conflict, according to the Hungarian "prophet," can only be resolved "from the outside," using the tired formula of "without Ukraine": according to him, both sides (Ukraine and Russia) are driven by their own truth. Ukrainians believe in self-defense, while Russians claim serious NATO military developments in Ukraine and refuse to see NATO troops and weapons on their border, perceiving a provoked war.

Of course, if Orbán is concerned about Kyiv's European and Euro-Atlantic prospects ("Now the prospect of belonging to the West has opened up; this has become a new mission that they (Ukrainians) have defined for themselves; they want to be the new eastern border of the West"), this is the most sophisticated argument to explain the neighbors' "failure."

Orbán's harsh rhetoric is understandable: Kyiv effortlessly demonstrated how the intrusive "Hungarian peace" is resolved with a simple stroke of an official's pen. Sanctions against Russian Lukoil highlighted Hungary's "self-sufficiency," built on "orbanism" principles.

But why would Putin's friend Orbán quarrel with Poland? Setting aside the "Great Hungarian delusion" of the new caricature Árpád wanting to rewrite the Trianon—this dispute still occasionally flares up in Jobbik's statements (Jobbik are right-wing radicals never publicly condemned by Orbán and his Fidesz party). However, Orbán's speech at the "Bálványos Free Summer University and Student Camp (Tusványos)" in the Romanian resort of Băile Tușnad offers some insight. Orbán said "a few honest words to the Polish brothers," accusing Warsaw of excessive ambitions: "The Visegrad Group means recognizing that there is a strong Germany, there is a strong Russia, and in cooperation with the Central European states, we are creating a third player between them. The Poles moved away from this and began to implement a different strategy that bypasses the German-French axis." Should we think Hungary aims to be the "third player"? Hence his conclusion: "Poles conduct the most hypocritical and sanctimonious policy in all of Europe," and for this, with "American" support, they created a new power axis: "London, Warsaw, Kyiv, the Baltic, and Scandinavian countries."

Orbán is hypocritical, posing as a patriot of the Visegrad Four while harboring territorial claims against each partner, masked by the guise of "protecting the Hungarian minority."

Despite his recent fallout with allies from PiS and his eagerness for an audience with Trump (hoping Trump would counter Orban's dislike of "liberal America" and liberalism in general), the Hungarian leader knows his game is doomed. I won't delve into conspiracy theories about Putin's promises to "friend Orban" if Ukraine falls and the illusion of dividing Ukraine after Russia's "special military operation" succeeds. Simply put, Moscow's "Trojan horse" won't conquer Brussels but will instead become kindling...

And about you and me. Our social networks are abuzz with a fierce debate around so-called "philosopher" Andrii Baumeister, his "anti-Soros" propaganda, and his extreme views on "totalitarian Ukraine." Orbán's political shift began with his disdain for philanthropist Soros. It's no surprise Baumeister found allies from the former Russian-backed ZIK channel, where they once even attempted to push the "Stinks of Soros" project. The reasons behind the "anti-Soros" rhetoric and its outcome are well-known. Or perhaps some believe the game is still worth playing?

Special for Espreso

About the author. Ihor Hulyk, a journalist

The editors do not always share the opinions expressed by the blog authors.