Viktor Orban Promises to Assist Vladimir Putin in War Against Ukraine

In October of this year, a telephone conversation took place between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, during which the Hungarian leader stated his readiness to exert 'maximum effort' to assist Putin. This information has been confirmed by a transcript of the conversation reviewed by Bloomberg.

According to the agency, Orban promised to facilitate a 'settlement' of the war against Ukraine by organizing a summit in Budapest. 'Yesterday our friendship reached such a high level that I am ready to help in any way. In any matter where I can be of service, I am at your disposal,' Orban remarked during the call.

The Prime Minister also referenced a popular Hungarian children's tale in which a mouse saves a lion that had previously spared the rodent's life. This comment, as noted in the transcript, elicited laughter from Putin, indicating a certain closeness between the leaders.

The brief phone call, which occurred around noon on October 17, serves as further evidence that the policy of supporting Russia is being determined at the highest levels of the Hungarian government, Bloomberg emphasizes. Throughout much of the conversation, Orban and Putin exchanged compliments and praised former U.S. President Donald Trump. The two had previously discussed a potential summit in Budapest, which ultimately did not take place.

Orban also noted that his friendly relations with Putin have strengthened since their first meeting in Saint Petersburg in 2009. 'The more friends we gain, the more opportunities we have to confront our opponents,' the Hungarian Prime Minister underscored.

He expressed regret that meetings with Putin do not occur as frequently as they did before the pandemic. According to the transcript, Putin expressed admiration for Hungary's 'independent and flexible' stance regarding his war against Ukraine. 'We do not understand why such a measured, moderate position only provokes objections,' the Russian leader cynically remarked.

It is worth recalling that earlier, journalists released a recording of a conversation between Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The publication VSquare released the audio amid a scandal regarding the potential transfer of details from closed EU negotiations to Moscow. Lavrov emphasized the desire of Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov for his sister, Gulbahor Ismailova, to be removed from the EU sanctions list, to which Szijjarto promised assistance. Seven months later, Ismailova was indeed removed from the EU sanctions list.

Thus, Orban's telephone conversation with Putin once again highlights the close ties between Hungary and Russia, as well as the Hungarian Prime Minister's readiness to support Kremlin policies in the context of the war against Ukraine.