If you don’t know the answer, you should: You get a highly toxic, potentially lethal gas. (Please don’t ever do it.)

Similarly, when you mix Vladimir Putin with Viktor Orban, you end up with a highly toxic, potentially lethal pair of co-conspirators, working together against Ukraine.

One of the worst-kept secrets in Europe is that Hungary’s Prime Minister has long been one of Putin’s sycophantic puppets, often using his vote as a member of the EU to advance Russia’s interests. This has been especially obvious since the onset of the war in Ukraine.

With the rapid approach of Hungary’s elections on April 12th, and the growing unpopularity of Orban’s right-wing Fidesz Party, there has been great consternation in Russia that Orban might be on his way out the door. If that were to happen, both leaders would have much to lose.

Orban, of course, would be out of a job.

But Putin would be equally unhappy. Hungary has continued to buy most of its oil from Russia despite EU sanctions. For the landlocked country, it is the cheapest and most accessible product available. But other European nations have found new sources of energy since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; and it is likely that Orban’s opponent, Peter Magyar, would follow suit in conformance with the sanctions. Needless to say, the loss to Putin’s economy would be substantial, and particularly distressing when he is already experiencing economic difficulties as a result of the continuing war.

So — while staunchly denying that Russia ever interferes in the elections of other countries (pause for laughter) — Putin has launched an overt campaign on Orban’s behalf and against Magyar . . . though with limited success.

And he has another card up his sleeve.

Russia has an agent inside the EU in the person of Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, who has been accused of using breaks during EU Council meetings to call Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and brief him in real time on the substance of the internal discussions: discussions that shape policy, sanctions and strategic decisions, including those directly related to Ukraine and Russia. [Ukraine News, March 21, 2026.]

Yesterday, it was revealed that the EU has taken measures to restrict Hungary’s access to confidential material through the use of smaller meeting formats, rather than full 27-member sessions in which Hungary would routinely be included. As one European diplomat advised Politico:

“Overall the less-than-loyal member states are the main reason why most of relevant European diplomacy is now happening in different smaller formats.” [Euromaidan Press, March 23, 2026.]

And the Washington Post, as part of its own investigation, was told by another European security official:

“Every single EU meeting for years has basically had Moscow behind the table.” [Id.]

Another diplomat — referring to Orban’s blocking of 90 billion Euros in loans for Ukraine at last week’s European Council — said:

“Hungary has long been Putin’s ally within the EU and continues to sabotage European security. The blocked €90 billion is simply the latest example of that pattern.” [Id.]

Not surprisingly, opposition leader Peter Magyar has labelled it “outright treason.” [Id.]

*. *. *

But as disturbing as all of this is, it gets much worse.

On Saturday, March 21st, Donald Trump reiterated his “complete and total endorsement” of Orban in the upcoming election, posting a video on X that could have been mistaken for a campaign speech on behalf of a U.S. Republican candidate for Congress. [Ellen O’Regan, Politico, March 21, 2026.]

And if that isn’t enough, JD Vance is reportedly slated to fly to Budapest in April, ahead of the election, to solidify the White House’s support. [Id.]

I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised, considering that Hungary is one of only two EU member countries — the other one being Bulgaria — that have joined Trump’s so-called “Board of Peace.” One hand does indeed wash the other.

Though with Trump’s worldwide credibility and popularity ratings about as low as they can get, his endorsement might actually work against Orban.

Wouldn’t that be a hoot!

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
3/24/26