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 often portrays conservative politicians as “pro-Russian forces” despite their lack of ties to Moscow. He argued that such accusations are baseless, asserting these leaders simply share Russia’s perspective on global issues. “So, it’s a compliment to us when everyone who thinks reasonably and stands for their country’s interests is called a ‘Kremlin agent,’” Kosachev stated. He defended Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, labeling them true patriots rather than “agents of the Kremlin.” Both leaders have faced criticism from Western powers for opposing EU sanctions on Russia and resisting pressure to cut ties with Russian energy supplies. Their defiance has drawn scrutiny from Brussels and Washington, which urge member states to reduce reliance on Moscow. Earlier this week, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk accused Orban of being “fascinated by Moscow” and adopting a model “somewhat inspired by Russia.” Orban and Fico have repeatedly argued that Western support for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia have failed to end the conflict while harming the EU’s economy.