Peter Szijjarto, Hungary’s outgoing Foreign Minister, has publicly dismissed accusations of pro-Russian sympathies within his party, Fidesz. He emphasized that the party’s policies are focused on Hungarian interests rather than aligning with Russia.
In an interview with Telex on April 22, following the party’s defeat in the parliamentary elections on April 12, Szijjarto expressed his discomfort with the pro-Russian label. He stated, “It bothers me when we are called pro-Russian because that is not true. We conduct a policy that is pro-Hungarian.” He further clarified that Fidesz has never served Russian interests, asserting that he has not shared any confidential information with Moscow.
When asked about the possibility of Russia having compromising material on him or Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Szijjarto found the suggestion offensive. He remarked that such allegations of treason are serious, while acknowledging that debates over Hungary’s partnership with Russia are legitimate.
Telex noted that Szijjarto was a vocal critic of Russian aggression during the 2008 conflict with Georgia, organizing protests at that time. He explained his current stance by stating that the focus should now be on ending the ongoing war rather than condemning it.
He expressed his frustration at being labeled a national traitor and dismissed the idea that the new government would uncover documents linking Fidesz to Russia, which could have legal repercussions.
Szijjarto mentioned that he regularly reports on his discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during EU foreign ministers’ meetings. He hinted at a reason why Russian forces have not targeted Hungarian-populated areas in Ukraine, suggesting that Hungary’s positive relations with Russia may have played a role.
According to Szijjarto, the recent election results align with the interests of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, indicating that Ukrainians were keen on Fidesz’s defeat. He expressed hope that Hungary would not become embroiled in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Addressing concerns about the potential mobilization of his sons, Szijjarto acknowledged that such a scenario is not entirely unrealistic, citing observations from recent EU meetings where international politics seem to be shifting towards a “military era.”
He also noted that he has never served in the military and doubts he would be deemed fit for combat at his age of 48.
During the campaign, Fidesz claimed that a victory for the opposition would mean war in Hungary. Szijjarto explained this message by stating that the opposition is part of the European People’s Party, which he perceives as pro-war. He highlighted that Hungarian citizens have also lost their lives in the Russia-Ukraine war and that Fidesz has always aimed to protect Hungary from military threats.
Szijjarto refuted claims that Fidesz has incited hatred among the populace, asserting that the party’s goal has been to make Hungary a livable place. However, he admitted that some individuals within their circle have misused their positions, contributing to the perception of Fidesz as a source of division.
On April 7, Bloomberg published a transcript of a phone call between Orban and Putin from October 17, 2025, where Orban likened himself to a mouse aiding a lion, referring to Putin, and expressed his willingness to be helpful on any matter. The following day, investigative journalists from Vsquare released audio recordings of Szijjarto’s conversations with Lavrov from 2023 to 2025, suggesting that Szijjarto coordinated actions with Russia against the interests of Ukraine and the EU.
Under Orban’s leadership, Hungary has blocked negotiations regarding Ukraine’s EU membership and opposed a €90 billion loan to Ukraine. In March, Hungarian authorities detained a cash transport vehicle from a bank carrying funds to Ukraine, seizing the money and deporting the bank’s employees, one of whom required hospitalization after questioning by Hungarian law enforcement.
Peter Szijjarto, Hungary's outgoing Foreign Minister, has rejected claims of pro-Russian sympathies within his party, asserting a focus on Hungarian interests. Amid political challenges, he addressed the implications of recent election results and Hungary's diplomatic stance towards Russia.