Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán reportedly pledged full support to Vladimir Putin, sparking a challenge from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to key Polish political figures.
Orbán’s Alleged Declaration to Putin
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán allegedly declared to Vladimir Putin his willingness to assist in any matter, including support for a potential summit between the U.S. and Russia. This information was revealed by a government transcript of a telephone conversation between the two leaders.
Tusk’s Challenge to Polish Leadership
Prime Minister Donald Tusk questioned President Karol Nawrocki and PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński, asking if they also support Orbán in light of his offer to Putin. Tusk highlighted Orbán’s statement: “Orbán declared to Putin that he is at his service in every matter.”
Details of the Conversation
Orbán reportedly offered to help Putin “in any matter,” including facilitating a resolution to the war in Ukraine by organizing a summit between U.S. and Russian leaders in Budapest. He stated his friendship with Putin had reached a level where he could offer assistance in any way possible.
Discussion with Trump
Both Orbán and Putin discussed their recent conversations with former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a potential meeting in Budapest, which ultimately did not materialize. Putin noted that Hungary was considered an acceptable location for such a meeting, as Orbán is a friend to both of them.
Political Context and Hungarian Elections
Orbán told Putin that “the more friends we gain, the greater our capabilities will be to oppose our adversaries.” Putin expressed his surprise that Hungary’s balanced stance on the war in Ukraine generates only counterarguments.
Previous Communication and Foreign Minister’s Dealings
Orbán and Putin previously spoke by phone on March 3rd, with Putin praising Hungary’s “principled position” regarding Ukraine. Investigative reports also revealed conversations between Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and Russian officials, where he discussed efforts to remove individuals from EU sanctions lists and oppose further sanctions against Russia, offering Russia his continued availability.
Upcoming Hungarian Parliamentary Elections
Hungary is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections on April 12th. Recent polls show the opposition TISZA party leading Fidesz, Orbán’s party, in most independent surveys, while government-affiliated polls indicate a slight lead for Fidesz.