Russian, Hungarian leaders meet on energy, Ukraine, potential US–Russia summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin has held talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in the Kremlin, with the two leaders focusing on energy cooperation, the war in Ukraine and a possible Russian–US summit in Budapest.

Speaking at the start of the meeting, Putin said energy ties between Russia and Hungary remained extensive but required further discussion at the highest level, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“Of course, we have substantial and very good cooperation in the energy sector,” Putin said.

“But there are issues and challenges that need to be addressed.”

The Russian president also thanked Orbán for expressing readiness to host a potential summit between Russia and the United States in Budapest. Putin said the idea of holding such a meeting in the Hungarian capital had originally come from US President Donald Trump.

“Thank you for responding so positively to the possibility of a meeting between me and the President of the United States in your country,” he told Orbán.

Putin said talks between Moscow and Washington could ultimately lead to a high-level summit in Budapest.

The Russian leader also praised what he described as Hungary’s “balanced position” on the war in Ukraine.

“We are aware of your balanced approach to the Ukrainian issue,” Putin said.

Orbán, for his part, said Hungary had resisted external pressure to sever ties with Russia and intended to continue dialogue, particularly on energy matters. He noted that Hungary had suffered significant economic losses due to the conflict in Ukraine and the disruption of trade between the European Union and Russia.

By Aghakazim Guliyev