Kremlin says it will not congratulate Hungary's premier-elect

The Kremlin said Monday it will not congratulate Hungary’s prime minister-elect, Peter Magyar, on his election victory following a parliamentary vote held a day earlier.

“We don’t send congratulations to unfriendly countries. And Hungary is an unfriendly country, it supports sanctions against us,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in remarks to the Life news website.

Peskov added that Moscow had been in dialogue with outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Earlier Monday, Peskov told reporters that Hungary’s voters had made their choice and that Russia respects the outcome of Sunday’s election, in which Magyar defeated Orban, ending his 16-year tenure in office.

He said Russia remains interested in maintaining good relations with Hungary, as with other European countries, and noted statements indicating a willingness to engage in dialogue.

“We look forward to continuing our very pragmatic contacts with the new Hungarian leadership,” he said.

According to Hungary’s National Election Office, the opposition Tisza Party led by Magyar won 69.35% of the vote and 138 seats, with 98.94% of ballots counted.