Bloomberg has published the full transcript of the Orbán–Putin phone call of 17 October, in which the Hungarian premier recounted a folk tale of a mouse aiding a lion—likening it to Hungary’s support for Russia on European and global affairs.
Orbán–Putin call: Hungary as the helpful mouse to Russia’s lion
Bloomberg has placed the transcript behind a paywall, though the Hungarian outlet Telex has translated and published it in full. According to the document first revealed by Bloomberg, the tone of the Orbán–Putin call was marked by notable cordiality. Beyond exchanges on sport and health, the two leaders discussed the prospect of an American–Russian summit in Budapest following Putin’s visit to Alaska.
They spoke at length about the organisation of such a meeting, with Putin reportedly assuring Orbán that he would “always remain at your disposal”, addressing the Hungarian prime minister as “my dear Viktor”.
“Our friendship has now reached such a height that I stand ready to assist in any way,” Prime Minister Orbán is reported to have told Putin. “In any matter where I may be of use, I am at your disposal.” He went on to invoke a folk tale in which a mouse comes to the aid of a lion, drawing a parallel with Hungary’s willingness to support Russia.
Ukraine, Trump, friendship
Orbán observed that the more friends they cultivated, the easier it would be to withstand their adversaries.
Putin, for his part, spoke approvingly of Hungary’s “independent and flexible” stance on the war in Ukraine, adding that this was why Budapest was the only European venue he would consider acceptable for arranging a meeting with Trump.
Later, the two leaders went on to praise Trump’s negotiating prowess and deal-making acumen.
Bloomberg said it had verified the transcript with an official familiar with the details of the call.
Orbán responded to criticism from Polish PM Tusk
“It’s true. I spoke with Putin about ending the war and organising a USA-Russia peace summit in Budapest. What have you done for peace?” Prime Minister Viktor Orbán wrote on X, responding to a post by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Tusk had written in his own X post on Tuesday: “Orbán told Putin that he is at his disposal on all issues.” The Polish prime minister then asked President Karol Nawrocki and Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party and a former premier, whether they, too, endorsed Orbán’s stance.
In case you missed:
US VP JD Vance sends surprising message to Péter Magyar about what happens if PM Orbán loses the election – video
Hungarian major: even Americans distrust Hungarians; NATO exclusion on the horizon? – videos
Damn it! Looks like After octuber 1956 Hungarians got in love from the russians
That is what mature and experienced heads of states do.. they talk to each other, not stop oil from flowing in pipes or attempt to destroy vital pipelines or use billions in Euro’s as blackmail to expose a twisted gender stupidity on a population etc etc etc. Talk avoids wars period!!!. Well done Viktor..keep talking Hungary to peace and prosperity. GOD BLESS YOU.
I agree with you, talking and negotiating is vital but all the other comments are full on nonsense bias.
I agree, Dear Kalman, but, that said, there are still a lot of simple-minded Hungarians, particularly in the educated city-slicker class, who can easily be manipulated by such a crass and overt mind-control tactic.
The Western Elite are serious about getting rid of Viktor, and it seems like Fidesz did not properly prepare for this.
As I have said for months – the obvious way to deal with Magyar is to reveal his communications with The Western Elite.
That, and only that tactic, will blunt this.
What else is necessary for people to believe that Orban works for Putin who is the existential threat to Europe? I can see by posts that some are like the monkeys who see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil. Hopefully the Hungarian public is smart enough to see what’s going on.
This is the top comment from the number one media organization in Canada (The Globe and Mail)
“Trump and Vance stump for Orban ahead of Hungarian election”
Who wouldn’t respect an endorsement for Orban, coming from the political equivalents of Satan and the Grim Reaper?
That’s what Canadians think.
Politico: Russia And Hungary Have Signed A Secret Plan!
Budapest and Moscow have signed a 12-point agreement to expand economic, trade, energy and cultural ties. The documents, drawn up by the Russian government, indicate an intention to get closer in areas ranging from oil, gas and nuclear fuel to education and sports. The signatures were made by Peter Szijjarto and Mikhail Murashko after a December meeting in Moscow, Politico reported.
The goals include reversing the decline in bilateral trade amid EU sanctions, paving the way for Russian projects in electricity and hydrogen, strengthening Russian language teaching in Hungary, recognition of qualifications and exchanges of postgraduate students; a plan to work together in sports for 2026-2027 is supported. One document stipulates that cooperation must not contradict Hungary’s EU commitments.
Amid elections on Sunday, Viktor Orban emphasizes ties with the Kremlin, while his rival Peter Magyar calls them a “betrayal.” Earlier, Orban blocked tougher EU sanctions.