Putin, Hungary's Orban discuss escalation of tensions in Iran and Middle East

ISTANBUL

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday discussed with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban during a phone call the escalation of tensions in Iran and the Middle East after US-Israel launched a military campaign, the Kremlin said.

According to a statement, the two reviewed current Russian-Hungarian cooperation and the implementation of agreements reached during their Nov. 28, 2025 talks in Moscow.

Putin noted Hungary’s support for a political and diplomatic settlement in Ukraine and its commitment to a balanced, sovereign approach in international affairs.

“The parties also touched upon issues related to Hungarian citizens mobilized into the Ukrainian armed forces and captured by Russia,” the statement said.

Putin and Orban held “very positive” talks in Moscow in November last year, with Budapest saying its long-term energy supplies from Russia are guaranteed.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto had said after the meeting that Putin confirmed Russia will deliver contracted oil and gas volumes to Hungary on time via both the Druzhba and TurkStream pipelines.

He said the two sides also agreed to “significantly accelerate” construction of the Paks nuclear power plant, and that work will begin in February.

ISTANBUL

According to a statement, the two reviewed current Russian-Hungarian cooperation and the implementation of agreements reached during their Nov. 28, 2025 talks in Moscow.

Putin noted Hungary’s support for a political and diplomatic settlement in Ukraine and its commitment to a balanced, sovereign approach in international affairs.

“The parties also touched upon issues related to Hungarian citizens mobilized into the Ukrainian armed forces and captured by Russia,” the statement said.

Putin and Orban held “very positive” talks in Moscow in November last year, with Budapest saying its long-term energy supplies from Russia are guaranteed.

He said the two sides also agreed to “significantly accelerate” construction of the Paks nuclear power plant, and that work will begin in February.