Why Hungary and Russia’s relationship could stop the war in Ukraine

In many European countries, a politician’s ties with Russia might mean the end of a political career, but not in Hungary

Hungary’s nationalist Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, has won a fourth term in the Hungary election, becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister in Europe.

The Hungarian Prime Minister has long been criticised for his friendly ties to Russian President, Vladimir Putin, and Hungary’s reliance on Russia’s energy supplies.

Now, Prime Minister Orbán has spoken to Putin, urging him to end the war in Ukraine. 

Hungary’s ties with Russia

Hungary has a strong dependency on Russia for petrol, gas and other economic ties with the largest country in the world.

Hungarian politician Balázs Orbán says that Hungary must do everything in their power to stop the Russia Ukraine war and that peace is needed as soon as possible.

“I think we can use every contact and relationship we have, like the Hungarian Prime Minister’s earlier contacts with the Russian president to try and help bring about a ceasefire,” he tells Ticker News.

Is Hungary doing enough to stop this war?

Orbán says all Hungary’s moves are in line with the NATO and EU’s decisions.

“We’re doing as much as we can … we’re in a position of strength and authority in Hungary.”

he says.

“Viktor Orbán has just won a landslide victory at the elections … the support of the Hungarian people is a reinforcement of good policies of a stable, calm governance, which is very much needed at this time of war.”

Should the European Union move away from being dependant on Russian energy?

While Balázs Orbán says that this would hurt Russia’s economy, he claims this would be “wishful thinking” as introducing these sanctions would hurt the EU more than they would hurt Russia.

“If we shut down entire economies in Europe because of a sudden lack of gas, for instance, if we left millions of people without heating … then we would do a disservice to ourselves.”

he says.

“So realism has to be maintained, diplomatic pressure must be maintained. And any humanitarian aid is obviously very important.”

What do you think will stop Putin?

Orbán says economic sanctions and international media reporting have an influence in stopping Putin.

“This is also a war which shows the power of communication, the power of images, the power of information, as it is spread, and that has an influence on public opinion everywhere, including Russia.”

he says.

Russia is the largest country in the world, it’s a nuclear power and whether we like it or not, whether we agree with it or not, it’s there, it’s going to remain there. So we need to find a settlement that takes into account its existence.”

Savannah Pocock contributed to this article.