Hungarian PM applauds renewed Putin-Macron talks to end Ukraine war

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has expressed support for the recent phone dialogue between Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron, viewing it as a constructive step towards achieving peace in Ukraine.

In a statement shared on his official X account, Orbán emphasized his hope that the conversation would help facilitate a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict, Caliber.Az reports.

Finally!!!

There is no solution to the Russia-Ukraine war on the battlefield. The key is negotiation. We need diplomats, not generals! https://t.co/39F5p5avGq

— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) July 2, 2025

“Finally!!! There is no solution to the Russia-Ukraine war on the battlefield. The key is negotiation. We need diplomats, not generals!

Macron and Putin held regular discussions around the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Macron visiting Putin in Russia in February 2022, but dialogue eventually stalled,” the post reads.

The call, initiated by the French side on July 1, ended a long diplomatic silence between Paris and Moscow. The last known conversation between the two presidents took place in September 2022.

The European Union has largely avoided direct communication with Putin since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Only Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico — both seen as sympathetic to Moscow — have maintained regular contact.

During the call, Macron reaffirmed France’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and urged a swift ceasefire.

The Kremlin reiterated its position that the conflict is a consequence of Western policies.

By Vafa Guliyeva