Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico appeared together on Sunday for the 130th anniversary of the construction of a bridge connecting their two coutries.

The Mária Valéria Bridge links Štúrovo, Slovakia and Esztergom, Hungary across the River Danube.

The two leaders remain outliers in the European Union for their resistance to cutting ties with Moscow.

Both prime ministers have opposed rapid moves to phase out Russian oil and gas, citing economic costs and energy security, even as most of Europe has sought to reduce dependence on Kremlin-controlled supplies.

The stance of Orbán and Fico reflects broader political strategies built on populist, nationalist rhetoric and illiberal governance, challenging EU norms on democratic checks and balances.

Critics argue their Kremlin-friendly positions risk undermining Europe’s united front against Russia’s war in Ukraine while cementing their domestic power.

AP video by Bela Szandelszky