Hungarian Leader's Alleged Pledge to Putin Emerges Amid Election Campaign
A newly surfaced transcript reportedly details Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán telling Russian President Vladimir Putin "I am at your service" during an October phone call, offering whatever assistance he could provide. This revelation comes as U.S. Vice-President JD Vance arrived in Budapest on Tuesday to participate in Orbán's election campaign, intensifying scrutiny of Hungary's ties to the Kremlin.
Transcript Details Orbán's Offer to Assist Putin
According to Bloomberg News, which obtained the Hungarian government transcript of the October 17 call, Orbán compared the relationship between Hungary and Russia to that of a "mouse" ready to help a "lion," referencing an Aesop's fable where a mouse frees a lion from hunters' nets. Orbán reportedly stated, "Yesterday our friendship rose to such a high level that I can help in any way. In any matter where I can be of assistance, I am at your service." The transcript indicated that Putin laughed at the remark.
JD Vance's Arrival in Budapest Amid Election Tensions
Air Force Two landed in Budapest on Tuesday morning, carrying Vice-President Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, as Hungary enters the final, heated days of a contentious election campaign. The campaign has unfolded against a backdrop of scandals concerning Budapest's relationship with Moscow. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó welcomed the Vances upon their arrival, highlighting the international attention on the election.
Orbán's Position as EU's Most Moscow-Friendly Leader
Orbán, a right-wing populist who has sought to transform Hungary into an "illiberal democracy," is widely regarded as the European Union's most Moscow-friendly leader. Critics have labeled him Putin's "Trojan horse" within the EU. The leaked transcript adds to existing concerns about the extent of U.S. and Russian efforts to support Orbán, who trails in polls ahead of the weekend vote.
International and Domestic Political Context
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly endorsed Orbán, calling him a "fantastic guy" and a "strong and powerful leader." Meanwhile, Russian intelligence agencies and disinformation networks linked to Russia are alleged to be working to influence the election. Most polls suggest Orbán faces an unprecedented challenge from Péter Magyar, a former top member of Orbán's Fidesz party, raising the possibility of Orbán's ouster after 16 years in power.
EU Reactions and Further Revelations
The election is closely monitored across the EU, with leaders expressing outrage last week over leaked audio that appeared to capture Foreign Minister Szijjártó telling Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov he would work to amend EU sanctions to Russia's liking. In the October call, Putin reportedly praised Hungary's "independent and flexible" stance on the war in Ukraine, noting that such a position "only generates counterarguments." The call ended with the leaders inquiring about each other's health and sharing lighthearted remarks about exercise and sports.
