The EU's most pro-Moscow leader, Viktor Orbán, announced this weekend that he is sending a delegation to Russia to discuss future business opportunities after the Ukraine war. Orbán stated that if US President Donald Trump succeeds in reintegrating Russia into the global economy and sanctions are lifted, a different economic landscape will emerge.
It could be that Hungary is trying to position itself for the possibility that the Americans may ease sanctions against Russia, says Fredrik Wesslau, a researcher at the Center for East European Studies.
Pro-Russian line
Orban's remarks were made at a campaign rally at home ahead of the Hungarian elections in April.
Orban has pursued a rather anti-Ukrainian and pro-Russian line in his campaign to try to win votes, says Wesslau.
This is one of many steps to normalize relations with Russia and try to push back against the harder European line.
Orban's pro-Russian line has often caused irritation in the EU, for example when he visited Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in November.
However, Wesslau points out that the other EU leaders have become accustomed to Orban's actions and know how to deal with him.
But of course, it is clear that it is a disturbing moment within the EU. It is a problem for a common EU policy towards Russia.
Economic ties
Wesslau points out that Hungary currently receives 95 percent of its gas, which is also subsidized, from Russia.
So there are strong economic ties there that Orbán wants to strengthen even more, he says.
It is unclear exactly what deals the delegation will discuss in Moscow, but according to reports in the Hungarian press, Hungarian oil and gas company Mol has plans to acquire refineries and gas stations in Europe owned by Russian companies Lukoil and Gazprom, companies that are currently subject to sanctions.
