During an interview for the program “Hour of Fighters,” Szijjarto stressed that cooperation with Russia, a nuclear power and geographic neighbor, is a strategic necessity, not a political option.

“Does anyone believe European security is possible without Russia?” he asked.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government maintains its rejection of Moscow’s isolation and advocates for EU-Russia summits, similar to the bilateral meetings between Washington and the Kremlin.

Hungary, dependent on Russian hydrocarbons, has blocked multiple European sanctions.

The Hungarian stance clashes with the European Union’s hard line, which links any rapprochement with the end of the Russian military operation in Ukraine.

Analysts point out that Budapest is capitalizing on its position to negotiate energy exemptions and strengthen its sovereignist profile.

While the European Union debates new restrictions, Orban is preparing a visit to Moscow, the first by a European leader in 2025.

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