- The Kremlin has distanced itself from outgoing Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban following his significant electoral defeat to a pro-EU candidate.
- Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia was “never friends” with Orban, despite their previously warm relations and Orban's consistent opposition to EU sanctions against Russia.
- Orban, who had close ties with Vladimir Putin, frequently blocked EU financial aid to Ukraine and allowed Russia to build a new nuclear power plant in Hungary.
- Moscow has indicated its intention to maintain “highly pragmatic engagement” with Hungary's new leadership under Peter Magyar.
- Magyar, the incoming leader, has acknowledged the necessity of continued dialogue with Russia and purchasing Russian oil and gas, while also affirming Ukraine as the victim in the conflict.
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