Leaked documents expose: Budapest and Moscow deepen alliance despite war and EU obligations. Journalists have obtained Russian government documents indicating a significant rapprochement between Hungary and Russia, Politico reports.
Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar has already sharply criticized these agreements, stating that such close ties with Moscow pose a threat to the country’s national interests. He is accusing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of effectively committing an “outright betrayal”.
According to the documents, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko approved a 12-point plan covering strategic areas of cooperation.
Energy, education, and even circus: critical spheres
The agreement предусматриває deepening cooperation in energy, including new projects in electricity and hydrogen, as well as expanding cooperation in the oil, gas, and nuclear sectors.
In addition, Budapest agreed to consider involving Russian teachers to develop Russian-language education and to launch academic exchange programs.
In the cultural and sports spheres, cooperation covers a wide range of activities, from sports to arts, raising concerns about the potential use of culture as a tool of propaganda.
Between Brussels and Kremlin: real geopolitical course is not hidden
The documents include a formal clause stating that cooperation must not conflict with Hungary’s obligations to the European Union.
However, the Hungarian prime minister's political rhetoric suggests otherwise. During a phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in October 2025, Viktor Orbán reportedly expressed readiness to help “in any way,” comparing Hungary to “a mouse helping the Moscow lion.”
Budapest’s firm response: rejection and criticism
Péter Szijjártó, responding to journalists’ inquiries, took a firm stance, stating that the country’s policy is determined solely by national interests.
“Hungary’s bilateral cooperation is guided by national interests, not by pressure to conform to extremely biased liberal mainstream media,” he emphasized.
Earlier, US Vice President J.D. Vance accused Ukraine of interfering in US and Hungarian elections during his visit to Hungary, where he also openly supported Viktor Orbán ahead of the upcoming vote.
Hungary’s key geopolitical partners include Russia and China, with which it maintains long-standing ties.
