Kremlin: Russia sees Hungary’s readiness to engage in pragmatic dialogue

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated that Russia sees Hungary’s readiness to engage in pragmatic dialogue, following the election victory of the opposition Tisza Party led by Péter Magyar.

Peskov said that Moscow will assess the new government’s actions and is waiting for the formation of a new government and its first concrete steps, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“In this case, there is mutual readiness,” he said.

However, he mentioned that political rhetoric often changes once leaders assume office.

“We have heard various statements. He [Péter Magyar - ed.] has already said he is ready to talk with Vladimir Putin, but that [Russia and Hungary - ed.] will never be friends,” Peskov emphasised.

According to him, in politics, it is one thing when you are not yet in the seat of a country’s leader and can make statements.

“When you take that seat, more pragmatic considerations emerge. We hope this will be the case,” Peskov said.

Peskov also addressed other issues, including economic cooperation, foreign policy, and the situation in Ukraine.

He said Moscow has not received any notification from the United States regarding an extension of a license allowing third countries to purchase Russian oil loaded onto tankers, which expired on April 10.

According to him, Washington continues to link the resumption of economic cooperation with Russia to a settlement in Ukraine, while Moscow believes joint projects should proceed regardless of the conflict.

“We believe it is not necessary to wait for a settlement in Ukraine. It is in the interests of both countries to pursue mutually beneficial projects,” Peskov said.

Kremlin spokesman mentioned that Kirill Dmitriev, Russia’s presidential envoy for investment and economic cooperation, is involved in the Russia–US working group but does not take part in Ukraine-related negotiations.

Commenting on the situation in Ukraine, Peskov claimed that more than 6,500 violations by Ukrainian forces were recorded during the Easter ceasefire.

“The figures speak for themselves,” he said.

Regarding Russia’s participation in the upcoming conference of parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in New York, Peskov referred questions to the Foreign Ministry, saying no details are yet available.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov