According to “The Washington Post,” Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto reportedly shared live updates from EU meetings with Russia’s Sergei Lavrov, sparking reactions from Polish officials.
Allegations of Information Sharing
“The Washington Post” reported unofficially that Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto regularly phoned Russia during breaks in European Union meetings.
The minister allegedly relayed live updates from discussions to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Reactions from Polish Officials
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski commented on the report via X, stating, “This would explain a lot, Peter.”
Szijjarto dismissed the claims as “false information,” accusing critics of attempting to support the Tisza Party and establish a pro-war puppet government in Hungary.
Tusk’s Response and Existing Suspicions
Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the news of Orbán’s associates informing Moscow about EU Council meetings should not be surprising, adding that suspicions have existed for some time.
Tusk explained that this is a reason he only speaks when absolutely necessary and limits his comments to what is essential.
Nawrocki’s Visit to Budapest
President Karol Nawrocki is scheduled to meet with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Budapest on Monday evening.
Investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi assessed that President Nawrocki’s visit is intended to show support for Prime Minister Orbán ahead of parliamentary elections on April 12th.
Far-Right Gathering in Budapest
A large gathering of the far-right coalition “Patriots for Europe” will also take place in Budapest on Monday.
Attendees are expected to include Marine Le Pen of France’s National Rally and Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, both known for pro-Kremlin sympathies.
The event is organized by the Foundation for a Civic Hungary, an organization linked to Orbán’s Fidesz party.
Tusk Criticizes Nawrocki’s Participation
Prime Minister Donald Tusk described President Nawrocki’s participation in the Budapest meeting of pro-Russian and Eurosceptic politicians as a “fatal mistake” and confirmation of a dangerous strategy to weaken the European Union and strengthen Putin.
Marcin Przydacz, Head of the International Policy Bureau in the President’s Chancellery, accused Tusk of lying and stated that the President does not plan to participate in any such meeting.