In the wake of the Hungarian Revolution, which erupted in October 1956, Nikita Khrushchev, the First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, recognized the need for strategic counsel from fellow Communist leaders. On November 2, he held a meeting with leaders from other Eastern Bloc nations to address the ongoing upheaval in Hungary. The revolution had begun as a student-led revolt demanding political reforms and an end to Soviet influence, rapidly escalating into a national uprising against the government. The Soviet Union initially withdrew troops but soon faced pressure to intervene as the situation deteriorated.

During this pivotal meeting, Khrushchev received valuable insights from Josip Broz Tito, the President of Yugoslavia, who suggested that an effective response would require a change in leadership in Hungary. Tito recommended the appointment of János Kádár, who had been a member of the previous government but was perceived as a more moderate figure capable of negotiating with both the reformist factions and Soviet authorities. This recommendation played a crucial role in shaping the immediate future of Hungary and Soviet-Hungarian relations.

Kádár's emergence as a key leader was significant, as it marked a shift toward a more conciliatory approach in managing Hungary's political landscape. His leadership style would prioritize stability and compromise, which contrasted sharply with the violent suppression of dissent seen earlier in the revolution. The decisions made in this meeting underscored the intricate web of alliances and rivalries that characterized the Communist bloc and reflected the challenges Khrushchev faced in maintaining a unified front against growing discontent within Eastern Europe.