The Hungarian Foreign Minister confirmed that he regularly discusses with Sergei Lavrov at EU meetings: "We talk both before and after."

The Hungarian Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, confirmed that he has regular contacts with the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, during private meetings of the European Union. This statement came following reports suggesting that Szijjártó communicates with Lavrov during breaks in the meetings in Brussels. Although the Hungarian government previously rejected these accusations, Szijjártó emphasized the importance of dialogue with external partners, including Russia, in the context of EU decisions affecting Hungary's relations. The European Commission has requested clarifications from Hungary, considering the reports to be "concerning." Szijjártó dismissed accusations of breaching security protocols, stating that diplomacy involves discussions with leaders from other countries.

These revelations come in a tense political climate ahead of the parliamentary elections in Hungary, where Viktor Orbán's government faces a challenge from the opposition. Hungary continues to maintain close ties with the Kremlin, importing fossil fuels from Russia, despite pressures from the European Union.