In a recent social media post, Russia expert András Rácz has accused the Russian leadership of deliberately humiliating Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
The claim follows a meeting between Orbán and Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which the Kremlin released a video that Rácz believes was intended to demean the Hungarian leader.
The video's impact
The video in question shows Orbán appearing visibly nervous while in Putin's presence. Rácz argues that the Russian leadership had no compelling reason to release this specific footage, other than to publicly humiliate Orbán. He suggests that the video serves to underline Moscow's dominant role in the relationship, relegating the Hungarian Prime Minister to a subordinate position.
Rácz also notes that the Hungarian diplomatic corps, usually vocal in its stances, has remained conspicuously silent on the matter.
This lack of response, he believes, is a troubling sign.
Watch the video below
The meeting between the two leaders took place at the Beijing Belt and Road Forum, an event that Orbán was the sole European politician to attend.
During their discussion, Orbán refrained from using the term "war" when speaking about the strained relationship between Russia and Hungary due to military operations and sanctions. He also inquired about a potential cease-fire, to which he received a less than reassuring response from Putin.
Below you can watch Russia expert András Rácz's Facebook post
