Orban Strengthens Ties with Putin Amid Rising Tensions in Europe

Sat Nov 29 2025 09:57:18 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's latest meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow sparks controversy as he continues to defy EU unity against the war in Ukraine.

In a recent meeting in Moscow, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban reinforced his alliance with Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite ongoing tensions in Europe over Ukraine. As Orban navigates domestic election pressures and energy supply concerns, the implications of this relationship challenge EU solidarity. Orban's open defiance of EU sanctions and efforts to maintain energy ties with Russia could create further challenges for the bloc.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has met President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, days before Russia holds talks on a US push to end the war in Ukraine.

Orban is seen as one of Putin's closest allies in Europe and has consistently angered his NATO and EU allies by undermining solidarity against Russia.

We are aware of your balanced position on the situation in Ukraine, Putin told Orban in remarks carried by Russian state TV.

Putin also thanked the Hungarian prime minister for proposing Budapest as a potential venue for a Russia-US summit with President Donald Trump.

Trump immediately said: 'We have good relations with Hungary, you have good relations with Viktor, and I do too, so I suggest this option.' Of course, we happily agreed, Putin mentioned.

Plans for a Budapest 'peace summit' were proposed last month but were shelved when the Russian side reportedly refused to compromise on Putin's demands for an end to the war.

The Hungarian leader’s Fidesz party faces parliamentary elections in April, and polls suggest that for the first time in 15 years it could be defeated at the ballot box. Hosting a Trump-Putin summit in Budapest could bolster his chances of re-election.

Orban, who last visited Moscow in July 2024, has repeatedly challenged EU attempts to end European imports of Russian oil and gas, arguing that securing energy supplies this winter is essential for Hungary, Slovakia, and Serbia.

Earlier this month in Washington, he secured exemption from US sanctions on Russian fuel as long as he remains in power.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Orban has claimed to advocate for peace and stated last week that Europe has decided to go to war in Ukraine.

He has been an assertive supporter of Trump's 28-point peace plan to end the conflict, and his government, along with pro-Orban media, have criticized EU leaders for their stance on the proposal.

Orban's letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated his demand for immediate, unconditional peace talks, calling for the EU to engage in direct dialogue with the Kremlin and opposing further EU financial support for Ukraine.

With little indication of Russia's willingness to compromise on Ukraine, Orban is primarily focusing on ensuring Russian energy supplies. Russia currently accounts for over 80% of Hungary's oil and gas, as well as 100% of nuclear fuel, and total trade generates approximately $5bn annually for the Russian budget.

A deal in Moscow could serve both leaders' interests, as Putin has expressed support for Orban ahead of the April elections, emphasizing the rise of nationally-oriented political forces in Europe.

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