ISW: Kremlin downplays Orban's defeat and Russia's loss of its main ally in the EU
Kyiv • UNN
Analysts interpret Moscow's rhetoric as an attempt to conceal panic over Orban's election loss. Russia is losing the ability to block aid to Ukraine through Hungary.
The Kremlin downplays the significance of Viktor Orbán's defeat in the Hungarian parliamentary elections, while Russia is actually losing a key European ally. This is stated in a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), as reported by UNN.
Details
Analysts point out that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow would not congratulate Péter Magyar on his election victory, as Hungary remains an "unfriendly country" that supports sanctions against Russia. In turn, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized that Russia is ready to build relations with the new Hungarian government depending on how it "understands its own national interests."
Prominent Russian milbloggers expressed mixed reactions, ranging from downplaying the significance of Orbán's defeat and questioning his cooperation with Russia, to expressing concern that the Kremlin had lost its main ally in the EU, who had vetoed decisions unfavorable to Russia.
They emphasize that Orbán consistently opposed and undermined EU efforts to provide military and financial assistance to Ukraine, which aligns with the Kremlin's interests, and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin personally supported Orbán in the 2026 Hungarian parliamentary elections.
"The Kremlin is likely downplaying the loss of its key ally in Europe to project confidence that Ukraine will still face pressure to accept Russia's terms for ending the war," ISW suggests.
Recall
Putin will not congratulate Péter Magyar on his victory in the Hungarian elections, the Kremlin stated, emphasizing that they do not send congratulations to "unfriendly countries" that support sanctions against Russia.
Magyar called Russia a threat to the EU and criticized Orbán's course13.04.26, 18:20 • 4254 views