Hungary's Incoming PM Prepared to Handle Calls from Putin

Tue Apr 14 2026 01:06:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

After a decisive electoral victory, Péter Magyar expresses willingness to speak with Putin if he calls, emphasizing a need for peace in Ukraine amidst significant political shifts in Hungary.

Péter Magyar, Hungary's newly elected prime minister from the Tisza party, stated that he would answer a call from Vladimir Putin, should it happen, urging an end to the war in Ukraine. Magyar's victory marks a notable shift after Viktor Orbán's lengthy rule. He aims for pragmatic relations with Russia while aligning Hungary more closely with the EU.

Péter Magyar has said he has already spoken to 10 European leaders, a day after his landslide victory brought an end to Viktor Orbán's 16-year continuous rule in Hungary. However, he mentioned he would not be reaching out to Vladimir Putin, a close ally of Orbán. 'If Vladimir Putin calls I'll pick up the phone,' he told reporters during a marathon press conference to discuss his party's election success. He added, 'I don't think it'll happen, but if we did talk I'd tell him to please, after four years, put an end to the killing and end this war.'

Magyar's stance underscores a shift in Hungarian foreign policy as he aims to align more closely with the EU, emphasizing that Hungary belongs within Europe despite Orbán's previous conflicts with EU leadership. The Tisza party secured a 'super majority', granting them the power to reform Hungary's constitution. As Magyar positions himself against Orbán's legacy, he outlines a vision that includes repairing relations with European nations and addressing corruption while taking a more neutral stance towards Russia, recognizing the toll of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.