Story perspectives

Hungary's Minister Faces Scrutiny Over Russian Ties and Sanctions

3/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Péter Szijjártó, Hungary's foreign minister, is under scrutiny after a leaked audio of a call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
During the August 30, 2024 call, Szijjártó confirmed plans to propose removing Gulbahor Ismailova, sister of oligarch Alisher Usmanov, from EU sanctions.
Ismailova was delisted seven months later, a development that raised questions about Hungary's alignment with Russian interests ahead of the April 12 election.

History

Historical Context

Since the 2014 EU sanctions on Russia following its annexation of Crimea, Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has often diverged from EU consensus, notably opposing military aid to Ukraine. In 2022, Hungary vetoed EU sanctions on Russian energy, citing dependency on Russian gas. Recent tensions, including a leaked call with Lavrov, suggest a potential shift towards Russian interests, raising concerns about Hungary's commitment to EU policies ahead of the April 12 election.

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Story summary

Péter Szijjártó, Hungary's foreign minister, is under scrutiny after a leaked audio of a call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
During the August 30, 2024 call, Szijjártó confirmed plans to propose removing Gulbahor Ismailova, sister of oligarch Alisher Usmanov, from EU sanctions.
Ismailova was delisted seven months later, a development that raised questions about Hungary's alignment with Russian interests ahead of the April 12 election.

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