Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on 28 November, becoming the only EU leader to maintain regular diplomatic contact with Moscow as Russia wages war against Ukraine and pursues bilateral peace negotiations with Washington that exclude European allies.
The visit underscores the widening fracture in EU foreign policy as Washington and Moscow negotiate a 28-point peace framework that European officials have characterized as "Putin's wish list." The EU, having provided €72 billion in military aid to Ukraine, finds itself shut out from negotiations that will shape European security for decades. Meanwhile, Orban continues to promote Kremlin narratives in Europe, positioning himself as the sole EU mediator between Moscow and Washington.
Putin floats Budapest as venue for Trump summit
During the nearly four-hour meeting, Putin revealed that US President Donald Trump proposed holding a Russia-US summit in Budapest.
"Thank you for your reaction to the possibility of my meeting with the US President in your country," Putin said. "The idea was put forward by Donald, who said, 'We have good relations with Hungary, and both you and I have good relations with Viktor, so I suggest this option.'"
Orban immediately offered Hungary's services. "Hungary is interested in peace, and we sincerely hope that the peace initiatives recently made public will eventually bring about peace," he said. "Our meeting today offers an opportunity to reaffirm that Hungary is ready to provide a venue for such negotiations and to assist in the successful conclusion of that process."
Energy dependence as pretext for Moscow ties
Orban framed the meeting as essential for Hungary's energy security. "Stable Russian energy deliveries in the past, today, and in the future are the foundation of Hungary's energy security," he told Putin. "We highly value the stability and predictability of Russian energy deliveries."
Earlier this month, Trump granted Hungary a one-year exemption from US sanctions on Russian energy—despite Hungary's own MOL refinery acknowledging it can source 80% of crude from non-Russian suppliers.
Orban's 14th meeting with Putin as prime minister
This marks Orban's fourth meeting with Putin since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022. "This is the 14th time I have met with you in the capacity of prime minister," Orban told Putin.
Putin acknowledged the "undoubted challenges of the present time" but praised the relationship as built on "pragmatism." He noted bilateral trade fell 23% last year due to "external restrictions" but cited 7% growth this year.
Hungary's systematic obstruction of Ukraine support
Hungary has blocked or delayed multiple EU measures supporting Ukraine, including weapons shipments, financial aid, and accession negotiations. Orban has characterized the US as having "faced the fact that Russia has won the war" and predicted Ukraine would be carved into three zones of influence.
In October, Orban launched a nationwide petition against EU defense policy, calling Brussels' support for Ukraine "war plans." His government has provided zero military aid to Kyiv while continuing to purchase Russian oil that funds Moscow's war effort.
Hungary and Slovakia together have paid Russia $13 billion for oil between Russia's February 2022 invasion and the end of 2024, according to BBC analysis—providing critical hard currency to Moscow despite Western sanctions efforts.
