New Hungarian leader rules out initiating contact with Putin, Trump

Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza Party which won Hungary’s parliamentary elections, said he would take a call from Russian President Vladimir Putin if it comes, but will not initiate contact himself, according to Clash Report.

“If Vladimir Putin calls me, I will pick up the phone. I do not think that will happen. I will not call him myself, but if we do talk, I can tell him to please stop the killing now, after four years, and end that war, which doesn’t make any sense from their point of view either, because tens of thousands of Russians have lost their lives. I don’t think he is going to end the war on my advice. I very much hope that he will be forced to do so regardless,” Magyar said.

At the same time, the Hungarian leader expressed doubt that his counsel would have any meaningful impact on the decisions of Russia’s leadership. He argued that, in his assessment, the cessation of aggression should be driven by external pressures rather than diplomatic entreaties.

Péter Magyar also made clear that he has no intention of reaching out to US President Donald Trump, while noting that his team would be open to engagement should the White House choose to initiate contact.

By Vafa Guliyeva