Hungary's New Prime Minister Pledges to Urge Putin to End Ukraine War
Péter Magyar, the incoming prime minister of Hungary, has declared that he will ask Vladimir Putin to end the killing in Ukraine if he speaks with the Russian president. This statement came during a media briefing held just one day after his landslide election victory over nationalist Viktor Orbán, a long-time ally of Putin.
Mr Magyar, who leads the centre-right Tisza party, expressed hope that Moscow would be compelled to cease hostilities soon and firmly affirmed that Kyiv is the unequivocal victim in this devastating conflict. While he clarified that he would not initiate a call to the Russian president, Magyar has previously acknowledged publicly that talks with Putin would be necessary. He also noted that Budapest would need to continue purchasing Russian oil and gas for the immediate future.
Kremlin Responds with Cautious Optimism
In response to Magyar's comments, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday that Moscow anticipates "continuing our highly pragmatic engagement with Hungary's new leadership." Peskov added, "We noted Magyar's statement regarding his willingness to engage in dialogue. Naturally, this will be beneficial for both Moscow and Budapest," while also admitting uncertainty about the new leadership's exact stance.
Relief in Kyiv as Orbán's Era Ends
Orbán's election defeat has been met with palpable relief in Kyiv, which has endured prolonged diplomatic battles with a hostile government in Budapest. The hardline former prime minister maintained warm relations with Putin throughout the war, meeting him multiple times and allowing Russia to commence work on a new nuclear power plant south of Budapest.
Orbán frequently voiced opposition to sanctions on Russia and staunchly resisted Kyiv's bid to join the European Union. He also blocked a substantial £78 billion EU loan to Ukraine, accusing Kyiv of sabotaging Russian oil deliveries by delaying repairs to a damaged pipeline—an allegation Ukraine has consistently denied.
Potential Impact on European Unity and War Funding
The election of Magyar, a former ally of Orbán who now leads a pro-EU and pro-NATO party, could significantly bolster European unity regarding Ukraine. Andrei Medvedev, a prominent Russian blogger, commented, "Orbán's defeat in the elections will have one consequence for us here in Russia. But it is a very significant one. Now ... Ukraine will receive EU funds, and with them, the resources to wage war for at least a year."
Medvedev further speculated that this financial infusion would likely enable the Ukrainian armed forces and contractors to enhance their drone systems and missile capabilities. Magyar's victory marks a pivotal shift in Hungary's foreign policy, potentially altering the dynamics of support for Ukraine within the European Union.
