The Moscow meeting between Viktor Orbán and Vladimir Putin did not last long, and what was said in the public session hardly shook the world or Hungarian-Russian relations. The two leaders stated in complete unison that relations between the two countries were developing despite the “difficulties”. “The relations between Russia and Hungary have been preserved and are developing despite all the difficulties of the period. Russian-Hungarian trade turnover has decreased due to external reasons, but this year there has been a slight increase, about seven percent,” said Putin.

Orbán reiterated what he has said many times before, that the Hungarian economy is experiencing economic difficulties due to the conflict in Ukraine. He highly valued the quality of Russian-Hungarian relations and promised his host that he would not change his policy. “Mr. President, you know that we pursue a sovereign foreign policy, Hungary’s relations with Russia are continuous, we cooperate in important areas, and we have not given up any area of cooperation to any external pressure,” Orbán said. Putin welcomed Hungary’s policy, describing it as balanced.

Putin, by the way, said that there are problems to be solved in the field of energy cooperation. He did not mention details, but it is not excluded that he meant that the EU intends to completely stop Russian pipeline oil deliveries by 2027. Orbán does not seem to be very worried about the EU, stressing that Russian energy deliveries will continue in the future.

That expensive, good peak

The idea of a possible Russian-American summit in Budapest was also discussed, which Orbán hopes could further increase his popularity. “If during our negotiations with the US we get to the point where we can hold the meeting in Budapest, I will be very happy,” said Putin, who said that the Hungarian capital was suggested by US President Donald Trump.