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 plenary session of 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 these leaders, who align with Russia on certain issues, are unfairly labeled as agents of the Kremlin.

Kosachev highlighted Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico as examples of figures deemed “true patriots” by Russia, despite EU criticism. 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, which have pressured them to align with broader EU policies.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a vocal supporter of Ukraine, recently accused Orban of being “fascinated by Moscow” and adopting a model “somewhat inspired by Russia.” Meanwhile, Orban and Fico have argued that Western support for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia have failed to end the conflict while harming European economies.