Hungary’s loyalties tested as Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds on

Hungary is often out of step with its EU and NATO partners when it comes to the Ukraine war [File: Maxim Shipenkov/Pool/Reuters]

Hungary’s populist leader Viktor Orban has been playing the West off against Russia and China for years, but as the Ukraine war drags on, the pressure is rising, according to analysts.

“The Hungarian government continues to maintain close relations with Russia and supports the Russian war machine in various economic ways,” US Ambassador David Pressman said on April 12.