NATO concerned after meeting between Russian and Hungarian leaders

Ambassadors from NATO countries and Sweden met to discuss growing concerns following a meeting between the Russian president and the Hungarian prime minister .

The meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in China was the main topic at a meeting of ambassadors of NATO member states and Sweden in Budapest on October 19.

“It is troubling that Hungary has chosen to engage with Mr Putin in this way,” said US Ambassador to Hungary David Pressman. “The language used by Prime Minister Orban to describe Russia’s war in Ukraine is also worth discussing.”

According to the US Ambassador, NATO and Sweden, which is waiting for approval from Hungary and Turkey to join the military alliance, are both concerned because Prime Minister Orban met President Putin while Russia was "waging war on Ukraine".

"If there are legitimate security concerns, we will inform our allies and expect them to take them seriously," the US ambassador said, criticizing Mr Orban for siding with the leader of a country "whose forces are responsible for crimes against humanity in Ukraine".

Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban meet in Beijing, China on October 17. Photo: Reuters — Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban meet in Beijing, China on October 17. Photo: *Reuters*

Mr. Pressman declined to comment on the possible consequences of the ambassadors’ meeting in Hungary, as well as speculation about sanctions being prepared against Hungarian officials.

"We see Hungary as an ally, but we also see Hungary strengthening its relationship with Russia despite the devastating war in Ukraine. We think it is important to maintain dialogue with the Hungarian government and people about these decisions," Mr. Pressman stressed.

The Hungarian government rejected Mr Pressman's criticism. "The US ambassador has no right to decide Hungary's foreign policy, that is the job of the Hungarian government," Mr Orban's chief of staff, Gergely Gulyas, said.

Mr Putin and Mr Orban met in Beijing on October 17 on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum. This was the first meeting between the two countries' leaders since Russia launched its campaign in Ukraine.

The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, gas and oil transit, and nuclear energy. Mr Orban said Budapest had never sought confrontation with Moscow, but only wanted to build close ties. He stressed that it was important for Europe to end the war in Ukraine, sanctions against Russia and the refugee flow.

Hungary is a member of the European Union (EU) and NATO, but refused to provide weapons and military equipment to Ukraine after the outbreak of hostilities. Hungary has repeatedly criticized EU sanctions against Russia and argued with other members over support for Ukraine.

Prime Minister Orban is considered the most pro-Russian leader among the 27 EU member states. He has stated that Hungary will maintain economic relations with Russia, stating that Moscow is not a security threat to Budapest.

The last face-to-face meeting between Mr Putin and Mr Orban took place in Moscow on February 1, 2022, three weeks before Russia launched its campaign in Ukraine.

Huyen Le (According to AFP , Pravda )

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