In brief
Hungary's Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow as tensions grow within the EU regarding Russia's role in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Orban, a prominent ally of Putin, has faced criticism from EU and NATO partners for his stance. This meeting comes ahead of pivotal talks aimed at resolving the war in Ukraine while Orban seeks to secure energy supplies for his country amid upcoming elections.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has met President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, just days ahead of talks focused on a US-driven initiative to conclude the war in Ukraine.
Orban, viewed as one of Putin's closest allies in Europe, has consistently drawn ire from his NATO and EU counterparts by undermining unified approaches to Russia. In comments broadcast on Russian state television, Putin acknowledged Orban's 'balanced' position regarding the situation in Ukraine.
The meeting included discussions about a potential Russia-US summit in Budapest, proposed by Orban, who is anticipating parliamentary elections in April that could see his party, Fidesz, face its first major defeat in 15 years.
Amid EU pressure to reduce reliance on Russian energy, Orban's recent trip was framed as critical for ensuring winter energy supplies for Hungary, Slovakia, and Serbia, emphasizing his controversial request to maintain energy imports from Russia.
Orban's administration has been vocal about attempting to negotiate direct peace talks between the EU and the Kremlin, aligning with members of his government who have accused EU leaders of escalating tensions.
Meanwhile, he has also secured deals in Washington for the purchase of US liquefied natural gas and nuclear fuel, suggesting a strategic balance between US and Russian energy partnerships.
