Photo: EPA
Péter Magyar said he is open to direct contacts with the Kremlin but would insist on ending the war in Ukraine. At the same time, he emphasized the need to maintain pragmatic economic ties with Russia, according to reports by The Guardian, Telex, and Index.
Speaking about relations with Russia, Magyar said he was satisfied with the Kremlin’s statement that it would respect the election results. He noted that many countries maintain pragmatic relations with Russia.
“If Vladimir Putin calls, I will answer,” he said. Magyar added that he would not call first, but if a conversation took place, he would urge Putin to stop the killings in Ukraine, noting that it would likely be a brief exchange.
Magyar stressed that Hungary “cannot change geography” and must find ways to continue energy imports, including from Russia.
“Russia will be there, Hungary will be here. But we will try to diversify,” he said, adding that this does not mean isolation, but rather buying energy safely and at low prices.
He also pointed to risks to Hungary’s energy supply, including issues related to the Druzhba pipeline and instability in regions like Iran, emphasizing the need for diversification.
Magyar expressed hope that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine will end soon, after which, in his view, Europe should lift sanctions on Russia.
“I understand the moral concerns and principles, and I will defend human rights as much as possible… but we should not shoot ourselves in the foot,” he said.
According to near-final results (98.94% counted), Magyar’s Tisza party won 138 out of 199 seats, securing a constitutional majority and ending the long rule of Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz party.
The end of Orbán’s era marks a significant shift in Hungary and in Europe, where the Kremlin loses a key ally. However, it remains unclear whether Magyar’s victory will lead to a real improvement in relations between Hungary and Ukraine.
