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EU Pressures Hungary Over Alleged Russia Coordination Leaks

4/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

The European Commission demanded an urgent explanation from Hungary over leaked calls between Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
The calls suggest Hungary may coordinate with Russia against EU interests.
Investigators found that nearly half of the 47 staff at the Russian embassy in Budapest have ties to intelligence services, including the Federal Security Service (FSB) and military intelligence, with Vyacheslav Shmidt and Alexei Shaposhnikov linked.

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Story summary

The European Commission demanded an urgent explanation from Hungary over leaked calls between Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
The calls suggest Hungary may coordinate with Russia against EU interests.
Investigators found that nearly half of the 47 staff at the Russian embassy in Budapest have ties to intelligence services, including the Federal Security Service (FSB) and military intelligence, with Vyacheslav Shmidt and Alexei Shaposhnikov linked.