Hungary's Next Leader: Engaging Putin to End Ukraine Conflict

Hungary's next prime minister, Péter Magyar, says he would pick up the phone if Vladimir Putin calls and urge him to end the Ukraine war, even as he seeks to maintain pragmatic relations between the two countries.

In an interview, Magyar, who is poised to become Hungary's new leader after his party won a landslide victory in the April election, emphasized that he would not initiate a call to Putin himself. However, if the Russian president were to reach out, Magyar said he would not ignore the request.

"If Putin calls me, I will pick up the phone," Magyar said. "I will tell him that this war must end, that he must withdraw his troops from Ukraine. But I won't call him myself - that's not my style."

Magyar's comments come as Hungary, a member of both the European Union and NATO, has sought to maintain a delicate balancing act between the West and Russia. While Budapest has joined in EU sanctions against Moscow, it has also resisted calls for tougher action and has refused to provide military aid to Ukraine.

Magyar's approach represents a continuation of the policies of outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has long been criticized for his close ties to Putin and reluctance to condemn Russia's actions in Ukraine.

Despite this, Magyar insists that he is not beholden to Putin and that he will pursue a pragmatic foreign policy that serves Hungary's national interests. He argues that maintaining some degree of engagement with Russia is necessary to ensure the country's energy security and economic stability.

"We need to be realistic," Magyar said. "Russia is our neighbor, and we have to deal with them. But that doesn't mean we have to be their puppets or that we can't stand up for our own interests."

Magyar's comments have drawn criticism from some in the EU and NATO, who argue that Hungary should take a stronger stance against Russia. However, the incoming leader maintains that his approach is the best way to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape and protect Hungary's national interests.

As he prepares to assume office, Péter Magyar faces a delicate balancing act, seeking to maintain pragmatic relations with Russia while also upholding Hungary's commitments to the EU and NATO. His willingness to engage with Putin on the Ukraine conflict will be closely watched by Hungary's allies and adversaries alike.