Increasing evidence is surfacing regarding Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s efforts to pivot towards the east and integrate Hungary economically and politically with Russia — a point his rival is leveraging against him ahead of Sunday’s election.
The Hungarian administration has reached a deal with Russia to enhance the economic, trade, energy, and cultural connections between the two nations, based on documents prepared by the Russian government that were acquired by POLITICO. They clearly highlight the proximity Budapest and Moscow aspire to achieve.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko signed a 12-point agreement detailing cooperation areas following their discussions in the Russian capital in December, the documents indicate. The document, previously undisclosed, outlines how closely the two governments would coordinate in various sectors including nuclear fuel, education, and sports.
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As Orbán showcases his strong connections with the Kremlin, his electoral opponent, Péter Magyar, contends this is a significant weakness, charging the government with “outright treason” due to its relationship with Moscow.
The summit held in Moscow in December marked the 16th gathering of the Russian-Hungarian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation (IGC), which, as reported by Russian state media, started in 2005. Since then, the commission has convened approximately once a year in either Russia or Hungary, with a gap between the 14th meeting in November 2021 and the 15th in September 2024. On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated its comprehensive assault on Ukraine.
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One of the documents states that Russia and Hungary “discussed ongoing matters of bilateral trade and economic collaboration, joint efforts in the energy sector, industry, healthcare, agriculture, construction, and other areas of shared interest, alongside cultural and humanitarian aspects” during the meeting in Moscow on December 9, 2025.
They emphasized the significance of “cultivating long-term, mutually advantageous relationships between the two nations in areas of shared interest.”
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In response to questions regarding the documents and their implications for Hungary’s political direction, Szijjártó stated, “Hungary’s bilateral collaboration is driven by national interests, rather than by any influence to align with the heavily biased liberal mainstream media.” “Continue the prejudiced effort!”