Hungary, Russia: Re-Energizing a Relationship

Russian President Vladimir Putin has traveled little in recent years, but there are two things he always has time for: judo and Hungary. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban played host to Putin in Budapest on Aug. 28 for the opening of the 2017 World Judo Championships. This is Putin's second trip to Hungary this year. The two leaders held a bilateral meeting but did not schedule a news conference -- a sign they're looking to shy away from more difficult questions. Instead, their talks were summarized for journalists by the Hungarian minister of foreign affairs, who said the pair discussed cooperation on energy projects. Putin may be known for his love of judo, but it's clear he came to Budapest to build a relationship with Hungary that will advance Russian interests, only one of which is energy....