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Kremlin Says It Is Glad Hungary's Magyar Seems Ready for 'pragmatic Dialogue' With Russia
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 14, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 14, 2026
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The Kremlin signalled approval of incoming Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s readiness for ‘pragmatic dialogue’ on energy and bilateral ties, emphasizing Russia will respond based on his government’s concrete actions. Magyar, who ousted long-time Putin ally Viktor Orbán, has pledged pro‑EU and
Kremlin Pleased with Hungary's Magyar, Signals Readiness for Pragmatic Talks
Kremlin Responds to Hungarian Election and Future Relations
MOSCOW, April 14 (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Tuesday that it was pleased that Hungarian Prime Minister-elect Peter Magyar seemed ready for pragmatic dialogue with Russia and would base its own position on the specific steps taken by his new government
Reaction to Viktor Orban's Defeat
Russian hardliners have mourned the defeat of Viktor Orban, a close partner of Moscow's, who lost a weekend election to upstart centre-right rival Magyar. But the Kremlin quickly said it was ready for talks with the country's new leadership.
Kremlin's Statement on Magyar
"For now, we can note with satisfaction, as far as we understand, his (Magyar's) willingness to engage in pragmatic dialogue," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
"In this instance, there is mutual willingness on our part, and we will then proceed to take our cue from the specific steps taken by the new Hungarian government."
Economic and Political Ties Between Russia and Hungary
Energy Relations and Nuclear Cooperation
Russia sells oil and gas to Hungary and is building a new nuclear power plant south of Budapest. Orban was useful to Moscow because he often spoke out against EU sanctions on Russia over its war in Ukraine, opposed Kyiv's bid to join the EU, and had blocked a 90-billion-euro ($105-billion) EU loan to Ukraine.
Magyar's Approach to Russia and the West
Magyar has combined pro-EU and pro-NATO rhetoric with a public recognition that he will need to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and continue to buy Russian oil and gas for now despite talk of diversifying and reviewing contracts.
(Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Lucy Papachristou; editing by Guy Faulconbridge/Andrew Osborn)
Key Takeaways
- •Péter Magyar’s landslide election win ends Viktor Orbán’s 16‑year rule and realigns Hungary toward the EU and NATO, raising questions about its relationship with Russia, including energy dependence and the Paks nuclear project (apnews.com).
- •The Kremlin, via spokesman Dmitry Peskov, expressed satisfaction with Magyar’s stated willingness for pragmatic dialogue, but stressed Moscow will judge by the new government’s actions (en.wikipedia.org).
- •Hungary remains heavily reliant on Russian energy: as of 2024, Russia supplied roughly 75% of its natural gas, 60–80% of its oil, and all its nuclear fuel, and is constructing the Paks II nuclear plant south of Budapest (en.wikipedia.org).
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Kremlin says it is glad Hungary's Magyar seems ready for 'pragmatic dialogue' with Russia
1How did Viktor Orban's loss impact Hungary-Russia relations?
While Russian hardliners mourned Orban's defeat, who was a close Moscow ally, the Kremlin indicated readiness to work with the new Hungarian leadership.
2What are the key areas of cooperation between Hungary and Russia?
Russia supplies Hungary with oil and gas and is building a nuclear power plant in the country. Hungary's leadership has emphasized the importance of continuing these partnerships.
3Will Hungary continue to buy Russian oil and gas?
Peter Magyar has indicated that Hungary will continue to buy Russian oil and gas for the time being, despite discussions on diversifying energy supplies.
4How did Orban previously support Russia in European matters?
Orban was vocal against EU sanctions on Russia, opposed Ukraine's EU membership bid, and blocked an EU loan to Ukraine, benefiting Russia diplomatically.
