Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has expressed strong disapproval of Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó’s recent discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, labeling them as “disgusting.”
Sybiha stated, “I took the time today, amidst all the events, to listen to the conversations that became public in the media space. For me, this is not a conversation; it is a servile report to Russian patrons. It is disgusting, it is shameful, and it should indeed be subject to investigation.”
The minister emphasized that diplomacy requires caution in discussions, noting that Ukrainians have been particularly diplomatic with Hungarians in light of the current situation. He warned that these recent revelations pose a threat to discussions within the European Union, including those held behind closed doors.
Sybiha pointed out that Ukraine is often invited to briefings to discuss the objective situation, stressing that there needs to be an appropriate response to this incident.
Background information indicates that on March 31, audio recordings of phone conversations between Szijjártó and Lavrov were leaked, revealing discussions about lifting sanctions on influential Russians. In one instance, Lavrov asked Szijjártó for assistance in removing Gulbahor Ismailova, the sister of oligarch Alisher Usmanov, from the sanctions list. Szijjártó reportedly promised to help, and within seven months, Ismailova was indeed removed from the list.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has condemned the actions of his Hungarian counterpart, Péter Szijjártó, in discussions with Russian officials. The leaked conversations raise concerns about Hungary's diplomatic stance and its implications for EU discussions.