Hungary’s incoming leader Péter Magyar has indicated he would be willing to engage directly with Vladimir Putin in a bid to end the war in Ukraine, signaling a potential shift in tone from his predecessor following a historic election victory.
Speaking at his first press conference after defeating long-time prime minister Viktor Orbán, Magyar said he would take a call from Putin if one came. While acknowledging such a conversation would likely be brief and unlikely to immediately end the conflict, he emphasized the importance of dialogue in stopping the violence.
Magyar’s stance marks a notable contrast to Orbán, widely regarded across Europe as a close ally of Moscow. His victory has been welcomed across the European Union, where leaders had grown increasingly frustrated with Hungary’s previous obstruction of key decisions, including financial support for Ukraine.
The landslide result has sparked optimism from Brussels to other European capitals that Hungary could now align more closely with EU priorities. Magyar has pledged stronger cooperation with both the EU and NATO, positioning Hungary as a more active partner in addressing regional security challenges.
One immediate test will be whether his government lifts Hungary’s veto on a €90 billion support package for Ukraine. The move had previously been blocked under Orbán, drawing sharp criticism from European allies seeking to counter Russian aggression.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already expressed readiness to work with Hungary’s new leadership, highlighting opportunities for strengthened cooperation aimed at regional stability and peace.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin has responded cautiously. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia respects the outcome of Hungary’s election and will wait to see how the new government defines its foreign policy direction.
European leaders have also reacted positively, with figures including Emmanuel Macron, Mark Rutte, Friedrich Merz and Ursula von der Leyen reaching out to congratulate Magyar, signaling strong expectations for renewed collaboration.
While uncertainty remains about how far Magyar will go in reshaping Hungary’s policies, his early statements suggest a pivot toward deeper European integration and a more assertive role in addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine.
