Putin and Orban Reaffirm Bilateral Ties Amid Ukraine Crisis

Hungary, a European Union member, has adopted a distinct stance in EU-Ukraine relations, often opposing EU initiatives aimed at supporting Ukraine in its resistance to Russian forces. Hungary’s unique position can be attributed to its substantial reliance on Russian crude oil and gas imports. Prime Minister Orban, during his meeting with Putin in Beijing, reiterated his nation’s desire to preserve and foster bilateral relations with Russia, underscoring their diplomatic talks.

The leaders held discussions at the government guest house where President Putin was staying, just before the commencement of an international forum centred on China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

President Putin, acknowledging the challenging geopolitical circumstances, expressed his satisfaction with the maintenance and development of relations with many European countries, with Hungary being one of them. He stated, “Even though in today’s geopolitical conditions, the opportunities for maintaining contacts and developing relations are very limited, nevertheless, it can only cause satisfaction that our relations with many European countries are maintained and developed. One of these countries is Hungary.”

Hungary’s closer engagement with Russia has set it apart from other EU member states. It is widely viewed as the primary potential opponent to a crucial decision due in December, pertaining to whether the EU should commence accession talks with Kyiv. Such a decision would require unanimous support from all 27 EU member countries.

Brussels is currently exploring the possibility of unlocking billions of euros for Hungary, which had been frozen over concerns related to the rule of law. This move is an effort to secure Budapest’s approval for further assistance to Ukraine, including initiating talks about EU membership.

In response to queries from Reuters, Bertalan Havasi, Orban’s press chief, confirmed that discussions between Orban and Putin encompassed topics related to gas and oil shipments and nuclear energy. Under a contract awarded in 2014 without a tender, the Russian energy giant Rosatom is involved in the construction of a nuclear power plant in Hungary.

Havasi emphasized that Orban highlighted the importance of ending sanctions on Russia and bringing a halt to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, he stressed the significance of curtailing the flow of refugees.

It was not specified which party initiated the most recent meeting between Putin and Orban. The two leaders last met in person on February 1, 2022, in a lengthy meeting in Moscow, just three weeks before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, an event that Russia describes as a “special military operation.”