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Leaked audio shows Hungary foreign minister discussing EU sanctions

politicsMar 31, 2026

Leaked audio captures Hungary's foreign minister Péter Szijjártó discussing loosening EU sanctions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Conversation details include plans to exempt certain Russian imports and coordinate messaging to soften sanctions. The talks directly undercut EU sanctions unity and raise legal and political risks for Hungary within the bloc. The leak matters because it weakens sanctions enforcement, invites Commission scrutiny, and could reshape EU-Russia policy debates ahead of key votes.

Key Highlights

Leaked audio captures Szijjártó discussing loosening EU sanctions with Sergey Lavrov.
Conversation includes plans to exempt certain Russian imports from EU sanctions.
Leak undermines EU sanctions unity and prompts a Commission response.

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