Orbans repeatedly held direct talks with the Kremlin leader during Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which always sparked criticism in the EU.
The EU Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, did not want to comment on Orban’s visit to Putin. Spokeswoman Paula Pinho simply said that the European Union’s message to Moscow was very clear: it was asking Putin to come to the negotiating table, and that should be the message from everyone else.
In principle, Orban’s good relations with Putin are viewed extremely critically in Brussels. In the past, Hungary repeatedly delayed EU-Russia sanctions and blocked support projects for Ukraine. In the current situation, it is feared that Orban is supporting US efforts to get Ukraine to make further concessions to Russia in order to end the war.
Kremlin chief Putin said that relations between Russia and Hungary were good despite the sanctions and difficulties. Trade between the two countries is now increasing again after a decline.
Before departure, Orban recalled that US President Trump had granted him an exemption from the sanctions against Russian energy companies. “We succeeded, which is great. Now all we need is gas and oil, and we can buy them from the Russians. That’s why I’m going there to make sure that Hungary’s energy supply is secured for the winter and the coming year at an affordable price,” Orban said.
Orban last visited Putin in the Kremlin in July 2024 – a few days after his first trip to Kiev since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. At the time, he staged his stay in Russia as a peace mission.
He has maintained good contacts with the Kremlin leader for about ten years.
Along with Slovakia, Hungary is the only EU country that still purchases crude oil from Russia. Unlike the other EU countries, with the exception of Slovakia, Hungary is highly dependent on Russian natural gas supplies.
