Viktor Orbán met Vladimir Putin. Controversial talks in Moscow

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin today. This is another meeting that gives rise to controversy in the European Union, especially in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine and peace efforts.

Who's Viktor Orbán? Leader close to Russia

Viktor Orbán, born 1963, has been Prime Minister of Hungary since 2010. Known for its authoritarian style of governance and close relations with the Kremlin, it often blocks EU decisions on assistance to Ukraine. Orbán emphasises a "sustainable" policy towards Russia, which is criticised by EU partners.

Meeting details: Energy and Ukraine on the table

During talks in Moscow, Orbán and Putin discussed energy supplies "Hungary seeks to increase Russian oil and gas imports despite EU sanctions. The topic was also the war in Ukraine; Orbán proposed Budapest as the site of the Russia-US summit. The meeting lasted several hours and ended with joint declarations of cooperation.

Viktor Orbán on X wrote:As neighbors of conflict, we see its impact on families and our economy every day. Hungary's position is clear. We want peace, and we are ready to host talks that can bring his achievement closer. When the peace summit arrives in Budapest, we will do our best to ensure its success. Hungary will always work for peace.

🕊️ As neighbourhoods to conflict, we see its impact every day, on families and on our economy. Hungary’s position is clear. We want peace, and we stand ready to host the discussions that can bring it clouder. When the Peace Summit comes to Budapest, we will do all we can to ensure it...pic.twitter.com/vbrJfYmWjo

— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban)November 28, 2025

Reactions: Criticism from the EU and Poland

The meeting sparked a wave of criticism.Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called them part of a "fatal combination" in international politics. The EU accuses Orbán of undermining the unity of the block, and the media emphasise that this is a challenge to anti-Russian sanctions.The Hungarian opposition demands clarification.

The meeting was also commented by Government spokesman Adam Szpiek:

Consequences: A Threat to Peace in Europe?

This meeting may weaken peace negotiations in Ukraine, especially in the face of Witkoff's plan. Experts warn that Hungary's close relations with Russia threaten EU security.