On Friday, Viktor Orbán met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow. According to official statements, the leaders of Hungary and Russia discussed issues related to energy, raw material contracts and ending Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, new light on the matter is shed by the Hungarian media, which suggests that due to the errors of the Hungarian translator, part of the Russian position could have been translated incorrectly and misled Orban.
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What mistakes did Orban's translator make?
What did Orban and Putin talk about?
What were the consequences of the translator's mistakes?
Who is Orban's translator who went to Russia?
The Hungarian Telex website published a detailed summary comparing Putin's original statements with a live translation taken directly from the broadcast of the meeting. The analysis revealed numerous discrepancies in both wording and tone, raising concerns that portions of the discussion had not been accurately translated.
According to the Hungarian website, Putin allegedly said: “I know that in your work you are guided primarily by the interests of Hungary and the Hungarian nation. Our views on some issues, including international ones, do not always coincide. But the atmosphere between us is such that we can openly discuss all matters, and this gives us the opportunity not only to talk, but also to seek solutions to any problems.”
Orban, on the other hand, was told “I hope that now we will discuss further possibilities of cooperation and move forward. Our cooperation in the international arena also works well, so here we cooperate and develop contacts in various sectors, and we deliver what we promise.”
Viktor Orban's translator “lost” the words about Ukraine
As Ukrainian news outlets point out, Putin also said a few words about Ukraine: “We know your balanced opinion on the problems surrounding Ukraine,” said the Kremlin host. However, his guest heard: “I know that international politics naturally influences you.”
Who is the translator who went with Viktor Orban to Russia?
As the Hungarian website 444.hu reminds, the translator who accompanied the Hungarian Prime Minister had previously repeatedly postponed talks at the highest level. She accompanied Orban in September 2022 during the funeral of Mikhail Gorbachev, and also in 2023 during his visit to Uzbekistan.
