The Kremlin has sought to downplay the significance of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s election defeat, even as Russian officials acknowledge that the outcome weakens Moscow’s influence inside the European Union.
Commenting on Orbán’s loss after 16 years in power, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that Russia had never enjoyed a special relationship with the Hungarian leader.
“We were never friends with Orbán,” Peskov said, adding that Moscow respects the outcome of Hungary’s election and remains open to “pragmatic contacts” with Budapest’s new leadership, according to Russian media RBC.
Orbán conceded defeat on Sunday to pro-European opposition leader Péter Magyar, following record voter turnout, ending the tenure of one of the Kremlin’s most reliable partners inside the EU – a development that has been described as a major setback for Russian influence.
As reported by The Guardian, Moscow has long relied on Orbán’s government to obstruct EU sanctions on Russia, delay military assistance to Ukraine, and maintain energy and political ties with the Kremlin. His removal deprives Russia of what many analysts described as its most sympathetic voice within the bloc.
The repercussions have been openly discussed in Russia. The Moscow Times reported growing unease within the Kremlin over losing influence in Budapest at a time when Russia faces diplomatic pressure and limited leverage across Europe.
Peskov nevertheless said Moscow hoped to maintain dialogue with Hungary’s new leadership.
“Once again, we are interested in building good relations with Hungary, as well as with all European countries,” he said. “Unfortunately, we cannot yet speak of reciprocity from European countries, but Russia remains open to dialogue.”
Hungary’s incoming government has indicated it will pursue closer coordination with EU policy on Ukraine but remains opposed to the proposed fast-track EU accession for Ukraine, signaling a shift away from the more confrontational stance taken under Orbán.