Hungary's Orbán Meets Putin in Moscow Amidst EU Energy Divide

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is in Moscow today, November 28, 2025, for critical energy discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This visit marks a rare diplomatic engagement for an EU leader with the Kremlin, particularly as Russia's conflict in Ukraine continues, according to the Associated Press.

ksat.com reported, The high-stakes meeting highlights Hungary's unique and often controversial position within the European Union. Budapest consistently imports significant volumes of Russian fossil fuels, diverging sharply from the bloc's collective strategy to reduce energy reliance on Moscow, as reported by the Associated Press.

Prime Minister Orbán's stated objective for the talks is to secure affordable oil and gas supplies for Hungary. He emphasized to state media before his departure that ensuring energy security for the upcoming winter and next year is his primary focus.

washingtonpost.com noted, This visit follows Orbán's recent meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington earlier this month, where he reportedly secured an exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian energy companies Lukoil and Rosneft. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó confirmed this "full and unlimited exemption" via X, as reported by Xinhua.

Orbán has long maintained that Russian energy imports are vital for Hungary's economic stability. He argues that transitioning away from these sources would trigger an immediate economic collapse, a claim central to his government's energy policy, according to the Associated Press.

elliotlaketoday.com reported, In stark contrast, the European Union is actively pursuing a comprehensive plan to eliminate its dependency on all Russian energy imports by the end of 2027. The European Commission announced in May 2025 its REPowerEU Roadmap, designed to ensure stable and affordable energy supplies across the entire bloc.

• Hungary's deep reliance on Russian fossil fuels is a long-standing issue, with approximately 80% of its energy needs, including oil, natural gas, and nuclear fuel, sourced from Russia. This dependency is partly attributed to its landlocked geography and the historical pipeline infrastructure established during the Soviet era, as detailed by the Associated Press.
• The European Union initiated its REPowerEU plan in 2022 with the ambitious goal of phasing out all Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027. This strategy focuses on energy conservation, diversifying supply chains, and accelerating clean energy production across member states. Despite initial success in reducing Russian gas imports, a rebound in 2024 prompted the European Commission to issue a new roadmap for complete energy independence.
• Hungary has consistently challenged and sought exemptions from EU sanctions targeting Russian energy, frequently threatening to veto proposed measures. Hungarian officials argue that such sanctions disproportionately harm landlocked Central European nations, which possess limited alternative supply routes, a point highlighted by bne IntelliNews.
• The recent exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian energy giants Lukoil and Rosneft, secured by Prime Minister Orbán from the Trump administration, is considered by Budapest as crucial for its national energy security. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó explicitly stated that this waiver is "permanent for an indefinite period," clarifying earlier media reports.
• While Hungary's government cites economic necessity for its continued reliance on Russian energy, critics contend that viable alternative options exist. These include importing non-Russian oil via Croatia's Adria pipeline or sourcing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from other global suppliers, as reported by the Atlantic Council in September 2025. The Atlantic Council further suggested that Hungary's deepening dependence is a deliberate "choice rather than a necessity".
• Hungary's ongoing energy deals with Russia and its challenges to EU policy significantly strain the bloc's unity and the overall effectiveness of its sanctions regime against Moscow. POLITICO Pro reported in November 2025 that Orbán intends to challenge the EU's Russian energy phase-out plan in the European Court of Justice, signaling further legal battles.
• Hungary's National Energy Strategy for 2030, which includes a vision extending to 2040, outlines goals for enhanced energy independence and security through clean, smart, and affordable energy solutions. However, a revised draft from October 2025, reported by Economx, subtly reclassified dependence on Russian energy as a "risk" that requires mitigation.
• Beyond fossil fuels, Hungary maintains significant cooperation with Russia in the nuclear energy sector, most notably through the Rosatom-built extension of the Paks I nuclear power plant. This collaboration further integrates Hungary's energy infrastructure with Russia, despite some reported delays in the project's timeline.