“Hungary is committed to peace and is prepared to host discussions and assist in their successful outcome,” Orbán conveyed to the Russian president during their meeting.
Putin expressed gratitude to the Hungarian leader, noting that the idea of considering Hungary as a venue for talks originated from Washington.
“It was Donald [Trump]’s suggestion. He immediately said: ‘We both have strong relations with Hungary, so this option seems fitting,’” Putin remarked.
Putin further mentioned he would be “pleased” to visit Budapest if “negotiations with the U.S. lead to that.”
This meeting marks Orbán’s second encounter with Putin in Moscow since Russia began its major offensive in Ukraine in early 2022. The meeting in July 2024, during Hungary’s tenure of the EU Council presidency, surprised EU leaders.
European leaders, including then Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, strongly criticized the visit. Kallas is now the EU’s foreign affairs chief.
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