Kremlin says Hungary ‘made its choice’ after opposition victory

The Kremlin said Monday that the people of Hungary have made their choice and that Moscow respects the outcome of the country’s parliamentary election, in which opposition leader Peter Magyar defeated incumbent Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

“Hungary has made its choice. We respect that choice,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, referring to Sunday’s vote.

Peskov said Russia remains interested in maintaining good relations with Hungary, as with other European countries, and noted statements indicating a willingness to engage in dialogue.

“We look forward to continuing our very pragmatic contacts with the new Hungarian leadership,” he said.

Peskov also argued that the result of the election in Hungary will not have an impact on the course of the Russia-Ukraine war, and that the EU's decision to release €90 billion (over $105 billion) for Ukraine will be made primarily by Brussels.

Hungary’s opposition Tisza Party won 69.35% of votes and 138 seats with 98.96% of ballots counted following a parliamentary vote held on Sunday, according to data from the country's National Election Office.

Orban conceded defeat on the same day, saying: "We will serve our nation from the opposition," marking the end of his 16-year tenure in office.

Strait of Hormuz

Speaking about the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, Peskov said the US' blockade of the key transit for oil and gas shipments will likely have a negative impact on international markets.

"It is likely that such actions will continue to negatively impact international markets; this can be assumed with a high degree of certainty," Peskov said.

He, however, expressed that many details in this context "remain unclear and incomprehensible," due to which he refrained from any substantive comments.

About whether Russia's offer to accept enriched uranium from Iran remains, the spokesman said that their offer is "still valid, but it has not been taken up."

He went on to say that Russia remains open to providing "any good offices" that will contribute to de-escalating tensions around Iran.