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Orban meets Putin in Moscow amid Ukraine peace efforts
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Friday, just days before Russia is set to engage in US-backed negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Orban, widely regarded as one of Putin's closest European allies, has repeatedly clashed with NATO and EU partners by undermining unified opposition to Russia's actions.
Putin praises Orban's 'balanced stance' on Ukraine
During the meeting, broadcast by Russian state television, Putin acknowledged Orban's approach to the Ukraine conflict, stating, "We are aware of your balanced position on the situation in Ukraine." The Russian leader also expressed gratitude for Orban's proposal to host a potential US-Russia summit in Budapest, involving former US President Donald Trump.
Putin claimed Trump had responded favorably to the idea, saying, "We have good relations with Hungary, you have good relations with Viktor, and I do too, so I suggest this option." While plans for a Budapest peace summit were floated last month, they reportedly stalled after Russia refused to soften its demands for ending the war.
Election stakes and energy deals dominate agenda
Orban's visit comes as his Fidesz party faces a tight parliamentary election in April, with polls suggesting its 15-year dominance could be at risk. Hosting a high-profile Trump-Putin summit in Budapest might bolster his re-election prospects, analysts say.
The Hungarian leader framed Friday's trip as part of a broader strategy to secure Russian energy supplies for Hungary, Slovakia, and Serbia ahead of winter. Earlier this month, Orban secured a US sanctions exemption on Russian fuel-contingent on his remaining in power-while also striking deals to purchase American liquefied natural gas (LNG) and nuclear fuel, moves that could irritate Moscow.
"Without these agreements, heating prices would triple next month," Orban argued, defending his dual-track diplomacy.
Hungary's reliance on Russian energy
Hungary currently sources over 80% of its oil and gas and 100% of its nuclear fuel from Russia, contributing roughly $5 billion annually to the Russian budget. The EU has pressured Budapest to phase out Russian energy imports by 2027, but Orban has resisted, using Friday's talks to further defy Brussels.
Orban's push for unconditional peace talks
In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen this week, Orban called for immediate, unconditional peace negotiations between the EU and the Kremlin. He opposed further EU funding for Ukraine and rejected proposals to use frozen Russian assets to support Kyiv's defense.
Orban has long positioned himself as a proponent of peace, telling Hungarian state radio last week that "Europe has decided to go to war in Ukraine." He has also endorsed Trump's 28-point peace plan, while Hungarian state media has accused EU leaders of "war-mongering" for attempting to incorporate Ukraine's objections into the proposal.
Kremlin's strategic support for Orban
Putin, who last hosted Orban in July 2024, has openly backed his re-election. At September's Valdai Forum in Sochi, the Russian president praised Orban and hailed the rise of "nationally-oriented political forces" in Europe, declaring, "If these forces continue to grow stronger, then Europe will be reborn."
With Russia showing little willingness to compromise in Ukraine, Orban's focus on energy deals aligns with both his domestic priorities and Putin's geopolitical interests. A symbolic "triumph" in Moscow could serve both leaders ahead of Hungary's pivotal April vote.
