Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban held an hour-long phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, discussing the ongoing war in Ukraine and broader diplomatic and economic issues. The call, reportedly initiated by Budapest, comes as Orban positions himself as a proponent of peace talks amidst heightened tensions within the European Union over his ties with Moscow.
Diverging from the EU Line
Orban’s engagement with Putin highlights Hungary’s unique stance within the EU regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine. While the EU has remained steadfast in supporting Kyiv through military aid and sanctions against Moscow, Hungary has consistently taken a softer approach. Despite eventually voting for EU sanctions packages, Hungary has openly criticised these measures and refrained from providing military assistance to Ukraine.
The Kremlin’s statement on the call described Orban as seeking “a joint search for ways to resolve the crisis politically and diplomatically,” leveraging his recent interactions with Western leaders, including U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. This outreach to Moscow, however, is seen by many EU members as undermining the bloc’s collective strategy to isolate Russia and support Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty.
The Timing of the Call
The phone call follows Orban’s visit to Mar-a-Lago, where he met Trump, and marks a continuation of Budapest’s independent foreign policy. It also comes weeks after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held a rare conversation with Putin, signalling renewed—albeit cautious—diplomatic overtures by some European leaders. Unlike Scholz, who emphasised Ukraine’s sovereignty in his discussion, Orban’s focus on ceasefire and peace talks appears more aligned with Moscow’s narrative, as it neglects Ukraine’s demand for Russia’s withdrawal from occupied territories as a precondition for negotiations.
Hungary’s Economic and Energy Ties to Russia
Hungary’s continued diplomatic relationship with Russia has been underscored by economic cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. The Kremlin’s statement following the call noted discussions on “energy and economic cooperation,” areas where Hungary remains heavily reliant on Russia. Budapest’s dependence on Russian oil and gas has been a significant factor in its resistance to stringent EU sanctions, further straining relations with other member states.
Critics argue that Orban’s actions prioritise Hungary’s economic interests over EU solidarity and the broader goal of countering Russian aggression. This stance has left Hungary increasingly isolated within the bloc, with accusations that it is enabling Moscow’s geopolitical strategies by providing an alternative avenue for diplomatic engagement.
Orban’s Role as EU President
Hungary’s leadership of the EU’s rotating presidency has also raised concerns about the bloc’s unity. Orban’s visit to Moscow earlier this year—making him the first EU leader to meet Putin since the invasion—drew significant criticism from Western allies. His continued dialogue with Putin, even as the Kremlin wages war on Ukraine, has further fuelled questions about Hungary’s commitment to EU values and principles.
While Orban frames his actions as part of a broader “peace mission,” many EU officials view them as counterproductive. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently emphasised that unity, not appeasement, is the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
The Kremlin’s Narrative
Following the call, the Kremlin accused Kyiv of maintaining a “destructive line” that precludes a peaceful resolution. This rhetoric aligns with Moscow’s broader strategy to deflect blame for the ongoing conflict and undermine international support for Ukraine. By engaging with leaders like Orban, the Kremlin can project an image of diplomatic legitimacy, even as it continues military operations in Ukraine.
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