France, Nov. 28 -- Orban met Putin at the Kremlinin the midst of a diplomatic push to end the war in Ukraine, his fourth meeting with the Russian president since the 2022 invasion.

In power since 2010, Orbanhas maintained ties with the Kremlin throughout the conflict, while also criticising Hungary's neighbour Ukraine.

His position is out of step with Brussels, which has called on EU members to end their dependence on Russian energy and is trying to make its voice heard in peace negotiations.

"We have not given up cooperation [with Russia] in any area, regardless of any external pressure," Orban told Putin.

"I would like to reiterate that energy supplies from Russia form the basis of Hungary's energy supply now and will remain so in t...