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Hungary's Orbán Defies EU, Seeks Energy Deals with Putin

11/28/2025

46 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Viktor Orbán, Hungary's prime minister, will meet Vladimir Putin, Russia's president, on Friday, diverging from Europe’s consensus on pressuring Moscow.
Orbán argues Ukraine cannot win militarily and criticizes Europe for wanting war.
He seeks energy contracts with Russia after obtaining a U.S. exemption from sanctions.
Since 2022, Hungary has refused military aid to Ukraine and blocked its EU bid, a stance critics warn could divide the EU.

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Story summary

Viktor Orbán, Hungary's prime minister, will meet Vladimir Putin, Russia's president, on Friday, diverging from Europe’s consensus on pressuring Moscow.
Orbán argues Ukraine cannot win militarily and criticizes Europe for wanting war.
He seeks energy contracts with Russia after obtaining a U.S. exemption from sanctions.
Since 2022, Hungary has refused military aid to Ukraine and blocked its EU bid, a stance critics warn could divide the EU.