Yasmina@yasminalombaert
A series of explosive reports—led by an investigation from The Washington Post—alleged that Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has been providing "minute-by-minute" updates to the Kremlin during confidential EU summits.
According to intelligence sources and diplomatic cables cited in the reports, Szijjártó maintained a direct line to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during high-level meetings in Brussels.
It is alleged that during breaks in sensitive discussions—particularly those concerning military aid to Ukraine and the 20th EU sanctions package—Szijjártó would call Lavrov to relay the specific bargaining positions and "red lines" of other EU member states.
These reports provide the most concrete evidence to date, suggesting that Moscow isn't just watching from the outside but has a virtual seat at the table.
The reaction from European leaders has been one of grim validation rather than shock.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk remarked that the allegations were "no surprise”, admitting that he and other leaders have been "self-censoring" for months. Tusk noted that he often limits his interventions in the European Council to strictly necessary points whenever Hungarian representatives are in the room.
NATO and EU security officials have reportedly begun formalising a "tiered" information-sharing system. This effectively creates a "black box" around Hungary, where the most sensitive intelligence regarding Russian troop movements or cyber-warfare is no longer shared with Budapest.
Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar, head of the Tisza Party, has labeled Szijjártó a "traitor to the homeland and Europe," using the reports to argue that the Orbán government has compromised national sovereignty for the sake of Kremlin interests.
This is no longer just a policy disagreement over sanctions, it is a fundamental breakdown of trust within the EU’s security architecture.
As the bloc attempts to finalise a €90 billion loan for Ukraine, the fear is that any strategy discussed with Hungary present will be on putin’s before the meeting even adjourns.
