Leaked Recordings Expose Secret Diplomacy Between Szijjártó and Lavrov

Leaked audio recordings and transcripts have exposed Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó providing confidential information and strategic briefings to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during European Union summits. The leaks, published by a consortium of investigative outlets, indicate that Budapest has operated as a strategic backchannel for the Kremlin within the EU.

The recordings were obtained and reviewed by a group of investigative partners including VSquare, Frontstory, Delfi Estonia, The Insider, and the Investigative Centre of Ján Kuciak. Some of these revelations first emerged on March 31, 2026, with further details released on April 8, 2026.

Confidential Briefings During EU Summits

One specific transcript from a call recorded on December 14, 2023, reveals that Szijjártó stepped out of a meeting at an EU summit in Brussels to call Lavrov. The purpose of the call was to brief the Russian Foreign Minister on the state of negotiations and the debate among EU leaders regarding whether to open accession talks with Ukraine.

The leaked materials show that Szijjártó offered confidential EU documents to Moscow. During these exchanges, Lavrov is reported to have stated: Sometimes good-willed direct blackmailing is the best option.

Further reporting from The Washington Post previously indicated that Szijjártó conducted calls with Russian officials during breaks in Foreign Affairs Council meetings in Brussels. The leaked audio also confirms that the two ministers discussed EU sanctions.

Coordination with the Kremlin

The leaks highlight efforts by the Hungarian Foreign Minister to facilitate high-level contact between Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Russian President Vladimir Putin. In one instance, on the day of an Orbán-Zelenskyy meeting in 2024, Szijjártó asked Lavrov if Putin would be willing to receive the Hungarian Prime Minister.

Other leaked conversations show a high level of cooperation, with Szijjártó telling Lavrov, You know, Sergey, that I am always at your disposal. In another recording, Szijjártó remarked on the reaction of other EU members, stating, I didn’t feel that the Europeans were very happy, you know? And from this, I felt that things perhaps went well.

Political Implications and Reactions

These revelations have emerged days before Hungary’s general election, scheduled for Sunday, April 12, 2026. The leaks have placed Hungary’s close ties to Russia at the center of the political campaign, contributing to tensions within the European Union.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has ruled for 16 years, is facing a significant challenge from opposition leader Péter Magyar and his Tisza Party, which currently leads in the polls. While some sources indicate Szijjártó has dismissed claims made by Magyar as lies, the leaked recordings provide a direct record of the minister’s communications with Moscow.

Péter Szijjártó has defended his actions, describing the contacts with Russian officials as routine diplomatic practice that occurred before and after council sessions.

In response to the leaks, Péter Tarjányi has raised concerns regarding the security of these communications. Tarjányi suggested that the existence of the leaked recordings indicates that external parties are monitoring the conversations.