Orban assures that Putin always keeps promises

(MENAFN) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has expressed greater trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin than in Brussels, highlighting the Russian leader's reliability in honoring agreements. Orban, who has met with Putin multiple times, emphasized that Hungary’s experience over the past 15 years shows that Russia keeps its promises, referencing a 2009 agreement with Putin on future cooperation. In contrast, Orban criticized the European Union, claiming that negotiating with Brussels is nearly impossible, as they support his Political opponents in Hungary.

A long-standing critic of Western military support to Ukraine and sanctions on Russia, Orban has consistently called for a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine conflict, opposing the EU and NATO’s approach of backing Ukraine militarily. He also revealed that he had discussed the war with Putin during a phone call in December, reiterating his desire to mediate peace talks.

Orban’s diplomatic efforts, including his controversial visit to Moscow in July 2024, drew sharp criticism from EU officials, who accused him of appeasing Russia. The European Commission canceled a summit in Budapest and scrapped a planned visit in protest. However, Hungary brushed off the EU’s backlash, with Orban accusing the EU of promoting a "pro-war policy" instead of supporting peace initiatives.

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