Hungary’s minister helped Russian oligarchs escape sanctions.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó spoke with Russian officials while the EU discussed sanctions. He wanted to remove sanctions from Russian businesses. This caused concern about Hungary’s relationship with Russia.
The situation began with a leaked phone call showing Szijjártó discussing sanctions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. He advocated for removing sanctions on Russian people and companies. Hungarian officials stated they would prioritize energy security and peace negotiations. Concerns arose because Szijjártó described the conversations as ‘normal diplomacy’ and offered assistance to Russia. The leaked call also involved attempts to remove individuals from sanctions lists, including the sister-in-law of a Russian oligarch. This has raised questions about Hungary’s actions and its potential influence on international affairs.
Summarized from the sources above. Read the originals for the full story.
Highlights
Szijjarto Contacted Russian Officials
Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó spoke with Russian officials while the EU discussed sanctions.
Hungary Helped Oligarchs Bypass Sanctions
Hungarian and Slovakian officials assisted Russian oligarchs in avoiding EU sanctions.
Szijjarto Offered Support to Lawrow
Szijjártó offered support to Russian Foreign Minister Lawrow regarding EU sanctions.
Hungary Prioritized Energy Security
Hungary would prioritize its energy security and peace negotiations.
Szijjarto Denied Sharing Information
Szijjártó denied sharing information with Russia, calling it ‘foreign interference’
Perspectives
- Hungary’s Szijjártó spoke with Russian officials while the EU considered sanctions.
- Szijjártó defended his actions as standard diplomatic practice.
- Hungary prioritized its energy security and peace negotiations.
- Hungarian and Slovakian officials helped Russian oligarchs circumvent EU sanctions.
Szijjártó and the Hungarian government believe Hungary should prioritize its energy security and peace negotiations, and that their actions are standard diplomatic practice.
Szijjártó, EU Observer, France24 English, New
The EU and investigative media view Szijjártó’s actions as undermining EU sanctions and potentially enabling Russian influence.
RTBF, Politico EU, Der Standard, NOS Nieuws, Der Spiegel
Hungary is actively involved in facilitating assistance to Russia amidst international sanctions.
Der Standard, RTBF, NOS Nieuws, Der Spiegel
Hungary’s relationship with Russia is concerning and raises questions about its stance on international sanctions.
RTBF, EU Observer, France24 English, New
Szijjártó’s actions are part of a broader effort to secure Russian support for Hungary’s position.
Der Spiegel
Szijjártó’s actions are driven by a desire to remove Russians from sanctions lists.
NOS Nieuws