Here are PM Orbán’s thoughts about Putin, Russia and the war in Ukraine

Hungary wants peace and has solved “4 or 5 crises” in recent years, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said in an interview published in the weekly Mandiner on Thursday. Orbán said in the interview given earlier this week that Russia was “rearranging the European security map”. Russia “feels safe” only with a puffer zone around the country, and is attempting to “turn Ukraine into a neutral zone by military action, after diplomatic attempts have failed to do so,” he said.

“Hungary has made it clear that it does not accept war as a means to any end, and condemns all who choose that path,” Orbán said. Russia’s demands have since remained unchanged, and “since the military advantage is on their side, it was only a matter of time before the talks started”, he said.

Hungary has a vested interest in a speedy agreement and the restoration of peace to the region, Orban said. “We condemn Russia for launching a war on Ukraine. We think the parties should restart talks as soon as possible, and have offered to host the talks. But what really matters is that they start talking. All Europe should work on achieving peace,” he said.

Until recent times,

Hungary had “balanced and fair relations” with Russia,

Orbán said. Russian President Vladimir Putin “always honoured our agreements, and Hungary did the same,” he said. Hungary will have to redefine its goals and interests in view of the new state of affairs, he said.

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The Hungarian government has not vetoed EU sanctions against Russia, and sees EU unity as of paramount importance in the present situation, he said. “Regarding bilateral ties after the war, Russia will definitely still exist afterwards,” he said. “There is no reason whatsoever for us to sever energy cooperation with Russia. EU leaders said themselves that the sanctions will not harm the delivery of energy resources from Russia because that would ruin the European economy,” he said.

Should the upgrade of the Paks nuclear plant fall victim to the sanctions, Hungary would be forced to buy even more gas from Russia at higher prices, he said. “I do not support that step, because Hungarians should not have to pay the price of war,” he said.

Orbán said that at times of war, “strategic calmness… speaking less but succinctly, responsibly,” was of the essence. At times like these, “we cannot allow for campaign interests to take over,” he said. “The opposition wants to send weapons and soldiers to shoot at and fight against the Russians. This proves they have no routine, no knowledge and no sense of responsibility. We need responsible politics, security and stability, rather than adventurers,” he said.