Hungarian premier slams US president’s Russia policy

BERLIN

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has sharply criticized US President Joe Biden’s foreign policy and said his attacks on Russian President Vladimir Putin is complicating efforts for peace in Ukraine.

“President Joe Biden’s comments about Putin went too far. He said that Putin has to be overthrown, that he was a war criminal. A peace with Russia cannot be reached in this way,” Orban said at a panel discussion in Berlin.

The Hungarian leader has renewed his call for an immediate cease-fire.

“We need an immediate cease-fire. That's what the pope says, that's what (former US Secretary of State Henry) Kissinger says, that's what (German philosopher Jurgen) Habermas says. An immediate cease-fire, after which we can begin negotiations,” he said.

Asked about the latest statements from Kyiv and Moscow, which has diminished hopes of a cease-fire, Orban said that negotiations have to be made with the Americans.

"If there are Russian-American negotiations, there will be a cease-fire,” he said.