Finance
Hungarian Minister Offered to Send Russia EU Document in Leaked Audio
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 8, 2026
3 min readLast updated: April 8, 2026
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Leaked audio reportedly captures Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó offering to send a document on Ukraine’s EU accession to Russia’s Sergey Lavrov, highlighting unusually warm ties with Moscow as Hungary heads into a pivotal April 12 election.
Hungarian Minister’s Leaked Offers to Russia Underscore Ties Amid EU-Ukraine Debate
Leaked Recordings Reveal Hungary’s Diplomatic Engagements with Russia
April 8 (Reuters) - Hungary's foreign minister offered to send his Russian counterpart a document about Ukraine's European Union accession, leaked recordings purported to show on Wednesday, in the latest indication of Budapest's warm relations with Moscow.
The audio clips released by a consortium of investigative news outlets including VSquare.org were the latest in a series of leaked conversations that purport to show how Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government has worked to serve Russian interests and undermine EU efforts to aid Ukraine.
Reuters was unable to independently verify the authenticity of the audio, but Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has previously said wiretapping of his phone calls was a "huge scandal" and Orban has ordered an investigation into it.
Political Context and Implications
The release of the recordings comes days before an election in which Orban, a nationalist often at odds with Brussels on a range of issues, faces the toughest challenge of his 16-year rule. Independent polls show a pro-EU challenger heading to a victory on Sunday that could turn Budapest away from Moscow.
Details of the Leaked Conversations
"I will send it to you. It's not a problem," Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto says in one conversation, after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow is trying to get a document about the role of minority languages in Ukraine's EU accession talks.
It was not clear what the document in question was and whether it was available in the public domain.
A Hungarian government spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday. There was no immediate comment from the Kremlin.
Friendly Tone and Ongoing Cooperation
FRIENDLY CONVERSATIONS
VSquare, which is based in Warsaw, released audio of another call between Szijjarto and Lavrov in March.
A VSquare representative told Reuters at the time that the outlet had independently verified audio recordings it obtained using sources in more than one country and with the help of external audio experts.
The conversations in the three audio clips released on Wednesday have a friendly tone.
"All the best my friend," Lavrov says at the end of a conversation about convening an intergovernmental economic commission in Budapest. "Whenever you need anything I'm at your disposal," Szijjarto says.
Further Revelations and International Reactions
Other conversations detailed in written form concern preparations for a trip by Orban to Moscow in 2024 when Hungary held the EU's rotating presidency or blocking another raft of EU sanctions on Moscow in 2025 over its invasion of Ukraine.
In a third audio clip Szijjarto asks Lavrov for details about what was discussed at a meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska in 2025.
Hungary’s Position on Russia and the EU
Szijjarto has travelled frequently to Moscow since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. On March 4, he met Putin to discuss oil supplies, among other issues.
In response to criticism that he is undermining EU efforts to help Ukraine, Orban says he aims to keep Hungary out of the war and protect its interests.
Reporting and Editorial Credits
(Reporting by Alan Charlish in WarsawEditing by Gareth Jones)
Key Takeaways
- •Audio clips suggest Hungary’s foreign minister offered to share EU-related documents with Russia, fueling concerns over collusion with Moscow.
- •The leaks coincide with Hungary’s upcoming election—its toughest contest in 16 years—as the opposition Tisza Party leads polling.
- •EU officials are responding cautiously; some are reportedly limiting sensitive information sharing with Hungary amid rising mistrust.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hungarian minister offered to send Russia EU document in leaked audio
1What did the leaked audio reveal about Hungary's relations with Russia?
The leaked recordings suggest Hungary's foreign minister offered to send Russia a document related to Ukraine's EU accession, highlighting close ties between Budapest and Moscow.
2Who released the leaked audio involving Hungary’s foreign minister?
The recordings were released by a consortium of investigative outlets, including VSquare.org.
3Has the Hungarian government verified the leaked audio's authenticity?
Reuters could not independently verify the audio. Hungary’s foreign minister called the wiretapping a scandal and the government has launched an investigation.
4What was discussed in the conversations between Hungary and Russia?
Conversations included sending Ukraine-EU documents, economic cooperation, preparations for Orban's visits to Moscow, and blocking potential EU sanctions on Russia.
5How has government criticism been addressed regarding Hungary's Russia ties?
Hungary’s Prime Minister Orban claims his approach to Russia is aimed at keeping Hungary out of war and protecting national interests.
