Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban openly challenged the European Union on Friday by assuring Russian President Vladimir Putin that Hungary will keep buying Russian oil. The two leaders met in Moscow at a time when global diplomats are renewing efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Orban has led Hungary since 2010. He has kept close ties with the Kremlin throughout the conflict. He also often criticises Ukraine, despite Hungary being both an EU and Nato member.
Fourth Meeting Since the Invasion
Friday’s talks were Orban’s fourth meeting with Putin since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. The visit is likely to anger Brussels because the EU wants member states to reduce their dependence on Russian energy and play a united role in any future peace deal.
“We have not given up cooperation (with Russia) in any area, regardless of any external pressure,” Orban told Putin, according to AFP.
He repeated that Russian supplies remain essential for his country. “Energy supplies from Russia form the basis of Hungary’s energy supply now and will remain so in the future,” he said.
Orban Challenges EU’s Gas Phase-Out
Orban recently said he would take the EU to court over its plan to phase out remaining Russian gas imports. His challenge highlights Hungary’s deep reliance on Russian energy. He praised Moscow for being a dependable supplier, saying Hungary values the “reliability and predictability” of Russian deliveries.
Putin Praises Hungary’s Position
Putin thanked Orban for what he called Hungary’s “balanced position” on Ukraine. He said ties between the two countries are built on “pragmatism.”
Before leaving for Moscow, Orban said he was travelling to secure Hungary’s winter energy needs “at an affordable price.” The Hungarian leader, who faces re-election next year, again presented himself as a potential mediator in the Ukraine conflict. He said Hungary was ready to host peace talks.
A planned meeting in Budapest last year between Putin and former US President Donald Trump was expected to strengthen Orban’s image as a mediator, but it never happened.
European Leaders Criticise Orban’s Trip
European leaders strongly condemned Orban’s decision to meet Putin. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in Berlin that Orban travelled to Moscow “without a European mandate.” He said he was not surprised because the Hungarian leader often acts independently. Merz also expressed doubts that the meeting would help end the war.
He noted that Orban “has his own ideas about how to end this war,” and added that none of them had worked so far. He questioned whether Orban “will be more successful this time than last time.”
Orban had also visited Moscow in July 2024, describing that visit as a “peace mission.”
Slovenia Warns of Potential Damage
Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob echoed the criticism. He said he hoped the trip would “not cause any major damage.” He also said, “We do not expect any benefits or advantages from this visit.”