Ronai told a press conference that it had been "an obvious lie" that Orban was discussing energy issues with Putin "since there is nothing left to discuss there." He added that the government was "paying like a military officer," buying "extremely expensive" Russian oil and gas, and that the Russian president "finances his war against Ukraine" with this money.

The latest visit to Moscow proved that Orban was not the prime minister of an independent Hungary, but Putin's "lapdog," he said.

Russia was currently "an enemy of the European Union, with drones, secret agents, and hackers attacking EU member states", while certain European politicians "paid for by Russia" were hindering EU decision-making, Ronai said.

Orban: Hungary's energy supply based on Russian energy imports

Hungary's energy supply is and will continue to be based on energy imported from Russia, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in the Kremlin in Moscow, in the public phase of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Orban praised the stability and predictability of Russian energy deliveries, saying Hungary had a vested interest in the continuation of bilateral energy cooperation. He said he will discuss the matter in detail with the Russian president.

"Ukraine is Hungary's neighbour, therefore the war has a strong impact on Hungary," the prime minister said. "We are incurring significant economic losses. The military operations are blocking economic growth in all of Europe, including our country."

Noting that he was meeting Putin for the 14th time as prime minister, Orban expressed hope that they would continue to work together for their two countries' cooperation.

"Mr. President, you know that we pursue a sovereign foreign policy; Hungary's relations with Russia are continuous, we cooperate in important areas, and we have not given up any area of cooperation as a result of any outside pressure," Orban said.

He said Hungary had a vested interest in peace, as he had said at their previous meeting, and expressed hope that the peace proposals currently on the table would lead to a ceasefire and peace. He reiterated that Hungary was ready to contribute to the success of peace talks by hosting the negotiations.

Putin thanked Orban for his positive response to the proposal for a possible US-Russia summit in Hungary.

Putin noted that Budapest was suggested as a venue by US President Donald Trump and agreed to by both parties who have good relations with the Hungarian prime minister.

The president said he would welcome if talks with the United States advanced to the point of a meeting in Budapest, and thanked Orban for his help.

Putin also welcomed that Russia and Hungary have maintained and are continuing to develop their bilateral ties despite the current difficulties.

He said bilateral ties were based on pragmatism, adding he was aware that Orban represented the interests of Hungary and the Hungarian people.

Putin said that though they sometimes disagreed on certain issues, including international issues, they were able to speak honestly and discuss any issue.

"We know your balanced position on the issue of Ukraine," Putin said.

He said it was regrettable that bilateral trade turnover fell by 23 percent over the past year, mainly because of the external restrictions. He welcomed, however, that this year's growth has exceeded 7 percent.

He praised the two country's energy cooperation, adding that there were certain issues and problems to discuss in this area.

Putin: Budapest has balanced position on Ukraine

Hungary represents a balanced position on the issue of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in the Kremlin.

"We know your balanced position on the issue of Ukraine," Putin said.

The president said he would welcome it if talks with the United States advanced to the point of a meeting in Budapest.

Orban: Hungary ready to contribute to success of peace talks

Hungary is ready to contribute to the success of peace talks on the Russia-Ukraine war by hosting the negotiations, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in the Kremlin in Moscow, in the public phase of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Putin noted that Budapest was suggested as a venue by US President Donald Trump and agreed to by both parties who have good relations with the Hungarian prime minister.

Orban said Hungary had a vested interest in continued energy cooperation with Russia.
 

Source: MTI – Hungary’s national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent.

Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media.

XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com

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