The Russian side claims that the meeting between the two heads of state and government was not on the agenda and was “unforeseen”. Viktor Orban met Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the summit to mark the tenth anniversary of the Silk Roads in Beijing. The Hungarian prime minister is the first Western head of state to meet Vladimir Putin since the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him.
Published on: October 17, 2023 – 5:32 p.m
2 minutes
From our correspondent in Moscow,
A Thai leader was reportedly waiting in his car for the Russian president to finish his meeting with the Hungarian prime minister. A Viktor Orban crosses the wide green lawns of Vladimir Putin’s residence to chat with him. Russian television, which broadcast this trip extensively, spared no effort to show a popular head of state.
Not a word on Russian screens about the mandate of the International Criminal Court, which has finally made Vladimir Putin a pariah in the West. We are talking about very vague “difficulties” here. Sits in an armchair opposite Viktor Orban, The Russian President is very satisfied:
“ Due to the current geopolitical situation, the opportunities to maintain contacts and build relationships are very limited. But it is satisfactory that (Russia) has relations with many European countries, and Hungary is one of them. »
Among Europeans, only Austrian Chancellor Vladimir Putin has met since he sent his soldiers to Ukraine. Karl Nehammer then said in April 2022 that he wanted to “confront Vladimir Putin with the reality of war.”
The Chancellor, who was criticized for his initiative, then admitted at a press conference after his short visit to Moscow: “If you ask me whether I am optimistic or pessimistic, then I am more pessimistic.” We should have no illusions, President Putin has massively improved committed to a logic of war and acts accordingly. »
When he mentioned a ceasefire in Ukraine on his Facebook page with the words: “It is crucial that the flow of refugees, the sanctions and the fighting in our neighboring country stop,” the Hungarian prime minister is instead boasting of a good relationship that it has with true.
In any case, according to the words translated and broadcast on Russian television, Viktor Orban stated in particular: “We have met 13 times since 2009 and have never been in such a difficult situation.” Hungary never wanted to face Russia; on the other hand. »
According to the Hungarian news agency MTI, the two heads of state and government discussed energy supplies.