A leaked transcript of a phone call between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Russian President Vladimir Putin, dated October 17, 2025, revealed Hungary’s readiness to host a Russian–U.S. peace summit in Budapest, while also highlighting Orban’s close relationship with Putin, Bloomberg reported. The release coincided with the visit of US Vice President J.D. Vance to the Hungarian capital.

In the conversation, Orban said he had spoken the previous day with President Donald Trump, who raised the idea of holding a peace summit in Budapest with the Russian leader. Putin confirmed that he had also discussed the proposal and described the initiative as timely and useful.

The Russian president said preparatory talks would likely begin at the ministerial level, involving Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov once the date is set. "Of course, dear Viktor, I am always at your disposal. Thank you," he said.

Orban replied that their friendship began in 2009, when he, then an opposition leader, was hosted at the library in Saint Petersburg. Hungarian analysts quoted by independent hvg.hu note that Orban’s policy and approach toward Russia shifted radically after that meeting, before he came to power in 2010, as he lashed out at Moscow’s actions in Georgia or Moscow using energy supplies as weapons. Rumours and speculation have circulated ever since about what triggered the dramatic change, with some claiming that the opposition leader may have been shown kompromat collected by Russian intelligence.

According to the transcript, Orban continued: "By yesterday [October 16], our friendship reached such a high level that I am ready to help in any matter,” and later repeated his willingness to assist Putin in any way. At one point, he likened their relationship to a Hungarian fable in which a mouse helps a lion escape a trap, a comparison that drew laughter from Putin.

Putin also agreed that Budapest was a suitable venue for the peace meeting, noting Orban’s relationship with both leaders and Hungary’s balanced position. "It is incomprehensible to us that such a balanced, middle-ground position generates only objections. In this regard, Hungary is one of the few, perhaps the only, European countries that is an acceptable location for the meeting in question."

The Russian leader also expressed appreciation for Hungary’s "independent and flexible" position on the war in Ukraine. After Putin remarked that he greatly values their relationship, Orban replied, "The more friends we make, the more opportunities we have to resist our enemies."

Both leaders spoke positively about how Trump had managed crises and expressed hope that progress could be made toward resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The conversation concluded with informal remarks on personal well-being and sports, with both leaders indicating their willingness to remain in contact as preparations for potential talks advance.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said the leak, released just five days before the election, was evidence of foreign interference. He downplayed concerns over Orban’s pledge to assist Putin, emphasising that the Hungarian leader aimed to play an active role in facilitating peace by hosting the summit. Viktor Orban is the only European leader with direct communication lines to the leaders of four major powers: the U.S., Russia, China, and Turkey, he added.

The conversation reinforced narratives that Orban, long seen as Russia’s strongest ally within the EU, often aligns with Putin’s interests, political analyst Szabolcs Dull noted. At one point, Putin reportedly referred to shared friends and enemies, implicitly suggesting that EU countries could be considered mutual adversaries for Russia and Hungary, a remark that could prompt reactions from EU capitals, according to Dull.

The release of the transcript is unlikely to sway Fidesz voters, who, over the years, have become tolerant of Moscow’s actions due to the party's extensive anti-Ukraine messaging. The call also highlights Orban’s role as a mediator between the superpowers, enhancing his international prestige. Ultimately, the proposed peace summit in Budapest did not materialise after Donald Trump called it off.