Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán told Russian President Vladimir Putin during a phone call that he stands ready to assist Moscow. He offered help in settling the war against Ukraine and in organizing a potential summit in Budapest. The call took place in October 2025, but officials released its contents only now.
Bloomberg reports this, citing a transcript reviewed by journalists.
Details
According to the transcript, Orbán said he was ready “to help with anything.” He also offered to act as a mediator, including by helping organize a possible US–Russia summit in Budapest.
To underline his point, he referred to Aesop’s fable about the lion and the mouse, suggesting that even a small ally can help a stronger one. The remark made Putin laugh.
For much of the conversation, the two leaders exchanged compliments and spoke positively about US President Donald Trump.
Orbán also stressed that his personal relationship with Putin, which began in 2009, has grown significantly stronger. In response, the Russian president praised Hungary’s “flexible and independent” stance on the war against Ukraine.
The sides also discussed the possibility of US–Russia talks involving diplomats, including their foreign ministers. However, they did not follow through on these plans.
Context
The disclosure comes ahead of elections in Hungary, where Orbán risks losing power after 16 years in office. EU officials have repeatedly criticized his government for its pro-Russian stance and for blocking aid to Ukraine.
Journalists recently released audio recordings that suggest Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó showed readiness to fulfill requests from the Russian side.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that US President Donald Trump publicly urged Hungarian voters to support Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in the parliamentary elections.
