What's happened
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán visited Moscow to discuss energy security amid ongoing reliance on Russian oil and gas. The trip follows Hungary's exemption from US sanctions and highlights its opposition to EU efforts to reduce dependence on Russia. Orbán also expressed hope for Budapest to host Ukraine peace talks.
What's behind the headline?
Hungary's energy policy underscores its strategic alignment with Russia, despite broader EU efforts to diversify energy sources. Orbán's visit to Moscow signals a commitment to maintaining affordable energy supplies, which he deems vital for Hungary's winter stability. This stance complicates EU unity on sanctions and energy transition. The Hungarian leader's openness to hosting Ukraine peace talks suggests a nuanced approach, balancing pro-Russian relations with diplomatic efforts. The reliance on Russian energy will likely persist, influencing Hungary's foreign policy and its role within the EU. The US exemption and nuclear deal indicate a broader geopolitical balancing act, positioning Hungary as a key player in regional energy and diplomatic negotiations.
What the papers say
The Moscow Times reports that Orbán emphasized the importance of Russian energy supplies for Hungary's security and affordability, highlighting his longstanding alliance with Putin. AP News notes Orbán's focus on securing continued access to Russian oil and gas, despite EU sanctions. The Independent echoes this, emphasizing Hungary's opposition to EU efforts to cut dependence on Russian energy. Reuters adds that Orbán's visit also aimed to ensure energy supplies for the winter and upcoming year, with hints at potential peace talks in Ukraine. These sources collectively portray Hungary as maintaining a pragmatic, pro-Russian stance amid broader Western efforts to isolate Moscow economically.
How we got here
Since 2022, the EU has sought to reduce reliance on Russian energy following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Hungary, under Orbán, has maintained strong ties with Moscow, continuing to import significant amounts of Russian fossil fuels. Orbán's government has secured exemptions from US sanctions and signed nuclear cooperation agreements with the US, while opposing EU policies aimed at energy independence.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why is Hungary strengthening energy ties with Russia?
Hungary's recent moves to deepen energy cooperation with Russia have raised many questions. Despite EU efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy, Hungary continues to rely heavily on Russian oil and gas. This page explores why Hungary is maintaining these ties, what it means for EU policies, and the broader implications for energy security in Europe.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Viktor Mihály Orbán is a Hungarian politician who has been Prime Minister of Hungary since 2010; he was also Prime Minister from 1998 to 2002.
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Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia. The megacity stands on the Moskva River in the central portion of Western Russia, with a population estimated at 12.6 million residents within the city limits, while over 17 million residents in the urban
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Hungary is a country in Central Europe. Spanning 93,030 square kilometres in the Carpathian Basin, it borders Slovakia to the north, Ukraine to the northeast, Romania to the east and southeast, Serbia to the south, Croatia and Slovenia to the southwest, a
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in