Kremlin breaks silence on Orban's electoral defeat as Putin loses major ally in Europe

The Kremlin has reacted to the electoral loss of Viktor Orban at the parliamentary elections held in Hungary over the weekend. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said they will not be congratulating opposition leader Peter Magyar on his win and parliamentary supermajority, as Hungary is now an “unfriendly country”.

He told Yunashev Live: “We do not send congratulations to unfriendly countries. And Hungary is an unfriendly country, it supports sanctions against us.” While there has not yet been a direct reaction from Vladimir Putin, Moscow said earlier it would maintain its relationship with Budapest, per state media.

Peskov acknowledged the decision of the Hungarian people and respected their decision, adding that Russia will be waiting to see what Magyar does after coming into power.

He emphasised that the change in government shouldn’t affect the war in Ukraine, and that Russia wants to build good relations with other European nations.