Newsletters
Hungary's foreign minister sharply rebuked European leaders who criticized Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Moscow meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, declaring that Budapest requires no permission from Brussels or other capitals to conduct its own diplomatic affairs.
Foreign and External Trade Minister Peter Szijjarto took to social media platform X to respond to what he called "disappointing" statements from European politicians opposed to the talks held in Moscow. The meeting between Orban and Putin has exposed persistent divisions within Europe over engagement with Russia amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine.
"We Hungarians do not need permission or authorization from Brussels, Berlin or anywhere else for any external negotiations," Szijjarto wrote. "We pursue an independent foreign policy and our decisions are determined in line with our national interests. Whether Brussels likes it or not."
During the Moscow meeting, Putin thanked Orban for agreeing to host a potential summit between the Russian leader and U.S. President Donald Trump in the Hungarian capital. According to Putin, Trump proposed the arrangement, noting strong relationships between both Washington and Moscow with Budapest.
"I am grateful that you responded positively to having a possible meeting with Trump take place in your country," Putin said. "Trump made such a proposal. Trump stated that relations between both the U.S. and Russia with Hungary are good. For this reason, we gladly accepted this proposal. I would be greatly pleased if negotiations with the U.S. conclude on the Budapest platform."
Orban emphasized Hungary's commitment to maintaining energy cooperation with Russia, stating that his government has secured the country's energy security through Russian energy resources. Hungary has remained more reliant on Russian energy than many other European Union members, a position that has drawn criticism from partners seeking to reduce dependence on Moscow.
The Hungarian leader also offered his country as a venue for negotiations on Ukraine. "Hungary is ready to host negotiations on Ukraine and provide support for the successful completion of this process," Orban said.
1 min read
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob criticized Orban for conducting the Russia visit without consulting European partners. The criticism reflects broader frustration among some EU members over Hungary's approach to Russia policy, which has often diverged from the bloc's coordinated stance on issues related to Moscow.
Szijjarto characterized these critics as "war-supporting" European politicians in his social media statement, underscoring the sharp rhetoric that has accompanied disagreements over how to engage with Russia.
2 min read
