Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán's anticipated Moscow meeting with Putin may raise concerns among European Union members.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban will depart for Moscow on Friday for discussions with President Vladimir Putin, according to sources cited in an article. This trip follows his initial visit to Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict, marking this as the first of its kind since tensions escalated between Russia and Ukraine earlier this year.

Reports from two unnamed individuals residing in Budapest have been shared with The Guardian regarding the agenda for Orban's journey. This visit is being organized alongside his engagement in Ukraine, a country grappling with the Russian offensive that commenced at the start of this month.

A senior European Union figure disclosed knowledge about the prospective meeting between Orbán and Putin during an interview earlier today. The development has stirred concern amongst members of Brussels, as it contrasts starkly with their stance on Ukraine's sovereignty.

As of now, there hasn't been any confirmation from either Budapest or Moscow about the visit. Questions sent to Hungarian officials remained unanswered at press time. Meanwhile, Orban is expected to partake in a summit involving Turkic nations later today.

European Council President Charles Michel expressed his concerns on Twitter this evening, stating: "The EU rotating presidency has no mandate to engage with Russia on behalf of the EU. The European Council reiterates that Russia is the aggressor in Ukraine and only discussions about Ukraine can take place if they are conducted independently."

Known as one of Europe's most pro-Russian leaders, Orbán has been vocal regarding his peace initiatives while occasionally echoing Russian narratives surrounding the conflict. Despite these comments, he has also highlighted EU support for Ukraine in various instances, much to the discontent of several European counterparts.

According to an anonymous source close to Hungary's administration, planning for Orbán's Moscow trip commenced prior to his encounter with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during a recent meeting. The aim: mediate between Russia and Ukraine. Following their dialogue, the visit is seen as fitting.

A journey to Moscow could amplify tension within Brussels, where many already worry about Orbán's role in undermining European unity and upholding democratic principles during his tenure. Nevertheless, he maintains connections with like-minded groups worldwide and has proposed Hungary as a potential peace broker between Russia and Ukraine since early on.

However, with upcoming elections in France and the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the US presidency, Orbán might perceive shifting geopolitical dynamics that could influence his approach. "We've always aspired for this mediator role," said a source from Hungary's government.

In Kyiv, Orbán hinted at the idea of an accelerated ceasefire during talks with Zelenskiy, though he didn't elaborate on it. In response to questions about his mission as EU Council President for six months, Orban emphasized: "My first trip was to Ukraine."

His last visit to Russia happened in September 2022 when he attended the memorial service of Mikhail Gorbachev, but didn't meet Putin then. The only other head of an EU nation who visited Moscow since the conflict began is Austrian chancellor Karl Nehammer, who did so in April last year.

Orbán has had encounters with Russian President Putin before; he met him during a trip to Shanghai in October of 2022.