'I'll meet with Putin to ensure affordable energy supply in winter' - Orban CONFIRMS Moscow trip, says peace plan discussions unavoidable

'I'll meet with Putin to ensure affordable energy supply in winter' - Orban CONFIRMS Moscow trip, says peace plan discussions unavoidable

"Hungarian PM Vitkor Orban confirmed rumours of his trip to Moscow on Friday, saying he would meet with Vladimir Putin to 'ensure affordable energy supply in winter', speaking from Budapest. "We will negotiate with the Russian President," he told reporters. "From a Hungarian perspective, the aim of the negotiations is to continue to secure Hungary's energy supply, which means gas and oil." "Hungary receives gas and oil from Russia via pipeline. It's a big fight all over Europe, with big swings, but prices are rising all the time. This is taking its toll on households and on the economy. In Western Europe, Hungary has the lowest energy prices in Europe. This is because we have access to cheap Russian oil and gas, which is cheap compared to international prices," he said. "The US has imposed sanctions on Russian energy companies. We were in Washington not so long ago to exempt Hungary from these sanctions," he added. "We have achieved this. This is great. Now all we need is gas and oil, and that can be bought from the Russians. So I'm going there to ensure that Hungary has an affordable energy supply for the winter and for next year.” Asked if peace talks and the current negotiations would be covered too, he added: “We can hardly avoid it." On Thursday, Putin did not confirm the visit but did say: "There is contact with the Hungarian side regarding our possible meetings". He added that Orban's position was based in 'reality' and they had much to discuss about energy, as well as a 'lot of other issues'. Orban has consistently backed dialogue with Russia and was even set to host a second summit between Putin and Donald Trump in Budapest."

‘Without that, it’s not going to work’ – Raymond van Barneveld concerns raised ahead of World Darts Championship

‘Without that, it’s not going to work’ – Raymond van Barneveld concerns raised ahead of World Darts Championship

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD needs to make quickfire changes ahead of the World Championship, according to former darts star Vincent van der Voort. The Dutchman will face Stefan Bellmont in the first round of the competition, which begins at Alexandra Palace on December 11. But Van Barneveld's preparations for the World Championship have not gone to...