Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán confirmed a conversation with Vladimir Putin, offering assistance, prompting criticism from Donald Tusk and sparking diplomatic friction.
Orbán Responds to Tusk’s Accusation
Donald Tusk accused Orbán of telling Putin he was “at his service in every matter,” questioning whether Jarosław Kaczyński and Karol Nawrocki supported this stance, referencing a conversation revealed by Bloomberg.
Orbán responded, confirming the discussion focused on ending the war in Ukraine and organizing a US-Russia summit in Budapest, asking Tusk what he had done for peace.
Details of the Orbán-Putin Conversation Revealed
The conversation, which took place in October, began with Orbán wishing Putin a happy birthday and referencing a Hungarian children’s fable about a mouse freeing a lion.
Orbán reportedly told Putin he was “at his disposal in everything” where he could be helpful, while Putin praised Hungary’s “independent and flexible” approach to the war in Ukraine.
Trump Discussion and Compliments Exchanged
Bloomberg reported that the two leaders largely exchanged compliments, including praise for Donald Trump, with Putin stating Trump was “advancing like a tank” and his successes were welcome.
Diplomatic Spat: Sikorski and Szijjártó Clash
Radosław Sikorski commented on the Bloomberg report, questioning Orbán’s use of the fable, to which Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó responded by contrasting Hungary’s pursuit of peace with what he perceived as Poland’s support for war.
Previous Leaked Conversation Between Szijjártó and Lavrov
In March, a conversation between Szijjártó and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was leaked, revealing Lavrov’s request for assistance in removing Gulbahor Ismailova, sister of Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov, from EU sanctions.
Szijjártó offered his assistance, and Ismailova was subsequently removed from the sanctions list, with both officials criticizing the European Union and its leadership.