Russian President Vladimir Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán held talks in the Kremlin on Friday, focusing on energy cooperation, the war in Ukraine and the future of bilateral relations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Presidential Adviser Yuri Ushakov and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, as well as Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó, also attended the meeting, which marked the 14th encounter between the two leaders.
Orbán, during a joint press conference ahead of the meeting, stated that Hungary’s energy supply is currently—and will remain in the future—based on energy supply arriving from Russia. He praised the stability and predictability of Russian energy deliveries and expressed Hungary’s interest in continuing bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. He said that he would discuss this issue in detail with Putin.
Turning to the issue of the war in Ukraine, Orbán highlighted that it has a strong impact in Hungary. ‘We are suffering significant economic losses. Military operations are blocking economic growth across Europe, including here in Hungary,’ he stressed.
He emphasized that Hungary is interested in achieving peace—something he had already outlined during previous bilateral meetings—and expressed hope that the peace proposals currently on the table will lead to a ceasefire and, ultimately, to peace.
‘Mr President, you know that we pursue a sovereign foreign policy. Hungary’s relations with Russia are continuous, we cooperate in important areas, and we have not abandoned cooperation in any field due to external pressure,’ Orbán said. He reaffirmed that Hungary is ready to serve as a venue for peace talks and to contribute to their success.
Putin thanked Orbán for reacting positively to the idea of a possible US–Russia summit being held in Hungary. ‘This was Trump’s proposal. He immediately said: “We have good relations with Hungary, and you also have a good relationship with Viktor, so I suggest this option.” Naturally, we welcomed this with pleasure,’ Putin said. ‘And if during our negotiations we reach the point of choosing Budapest as the location, I will be very pleased, and I would like to thank you for your willingness to help,’ he added.
In his welcome remarks, Putin expressed satisfaction that bilateral relations have been preserved and continue to develop despite today’s difficulties. ‘We know that our history has had different periods, but our relations rest on pragmatism—on a pragmatic approach to developing bilateral ties,’ he said. ‘We have known each other personally for a long time, and I know that in your work you primarily represent the interests of your homeland, Hungary, and the Hungarian people,’ Putin added.
He noted that on some issues—including international affairs—the two sides’ views occasionally differ, but the atmosphere between them allows for honest discussion of any matter. ‘We are aware of your balanced position on the Ukrainian issue,’ he told Orbán.
Putin expressed regret that bilateral trade had fallen by 23 per cent last year, primarily due to external restrictions. As a positive sign, he noted that growth this year has already exceeded 7 per cent.
‘Our cooperation in the field of energy is very good, but even here there are questions and problems that we must discuss,’ Putin said.
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