Leaked recordings show Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó regularly informed his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, about discussions within the European Union.
Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Comments on Leaked Conversations
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova commented on the publication of the recordings to Radio Sputnik, stating that the leaks prove Russia does not interfere in elections, but the West does.
Zakharova claimed Western interference extends to elections within allied nations and among those with similar viewpoints.
Hungarian Minister Confirmed Authenticity of Recordings
Péter Szijjártó confirmed the authenticity of the recordings, stating they demonstrate consistency between his public statements and private conversations.
Szijjártó attributed the leak to foreign intelligence services, alleging they intercepted his phone calls with the assistance of Hungarian journalists.
Russian Attempts at Disinformation in Moldova
In November 2024, the State Institute for International Affairs reported that Russia attempted to influence the presidential election and referendum in Moldova through vote buying, disinformation campaigns, and cyberattacks.
Despite the unsuccessful attempts, pro-Russian opposition groups subsequently questioned the integrity of the election process, alleging control by EU bureaucrats.
Szijjártó Allegedly Assisted Russia in Lifting Sanctions
According to reporting by Wyborcza.pl, Péter Szijjártó actively aided Russia in lifting EU sanctions imposed on the daughter of a Russian oligarch and vessels associated with the “shadow fleet” used to finance the war in Ukraine.