Putin praises Orbán for his stance on Ukraine in phone call

Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán have held a phone conversation during which they discussed Ukraine.

The first topic of discussion was described as the "sharp escalation of the situation around Iran" and across the Middle East, including possible consequences for the global energy market.

According to the Kremlin, Orbán and Putin also exchanged views on Ukraine.

"Putin noted the principled position of the Hungarian leadership in support of a political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict [Russia's war against Ukraine – ed.], as well as its general aspiration to pursue a balanced and sovereign course in international affairs," the Kremlin states.

The sides also discussed issues concerning Hungarian citizens mobilised into the Armed Forces of Ukraine who were taken into Russian captivity.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said he had summoned the Ukrainian ambassador over what he called the "violent hunting" of Hungarians for mobilisation.

The EU had planned to adopt its 20th sanctions package by the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. However, Hungary blocked the decision and also obstructed the allocation of a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine.