Peskov called Orban an effective politician who defends Hungary's interests.

There is nothing in the transcript of the conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban published in the Western press that could set Moscow and Budapest at odds. This was announced on April 8 by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

"There is nothing there that can put Russia at odds with Hungary. On the contrary, in fact, this information <...> shows Orban from a very pragmatic and effective point of view. He is indeed a very effective politician, a head of state who defends the interests of his country <...> This material <...> demonstrates this. I would even take it as material in support of Orban," Peskov said.

He added that Moscow is well aware of the intentions of pro-European forces to prevent Orban's victory in the Hungarian elections, so they play along with everything that somehow opposes the current Hungarian prime minister.

The Kremlin's official representative also stressed that Russia does not approve of attempts to make public private conversations of politicians at a high and top level. According to him, the Kremlin has always treated this with "reverence."

Grim alliance: EU intends to deprive Hungary of the right to vote if Orban wins

Italy, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic may oppose this — what levers of pressure does Brussels have?

On April 6, the head of the Ukraine–EU Parliamentary Cooperation Committee in the European Parliament (EP), Pekka Tovery, said that the European Union (EU) plans to deprive Hungary of the right to vote in the EU Council if the ruling Fidesz party of the current Prime Minister Viktor Orban wins the parliamentary elections. Tovery said that such a decision would circumvent Hungary's veto right on a loan to Ukraine, which it is blocking.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Izvestia on April 5 that Hungary was facing attempts to deprive it of its sovereignty. According to her, this is happening through political interference in internal affairs and elections, economic pressure to impose decisions that harm the economy, as well as through the energy sector, where the country is prevented from obtaining resources at reasonable prices.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.