16 July 2026, 19:45

Diplomatic Probe: Hungary Investigates Former Foreign Minister Szijjártó Over Russia Ties

Петер Сійярто на міжнародній конференції

The Hungarian government has launched an official investigation into the activities of former Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, specifically focusing on his alleged covert connections with Russia. According to the original report by Telex, current Prime Minister Péter Magyar confirmed that the probe is currently underway. The case involves a significant volume of classified documents related to Hungarian foreign policy, raising serious questions about the nature of the previous administration’s interactions with Moscow.

Prime Minister Magyar has adopted a cautious tone, refusing to disclose specific details at this stage to avoid prejudicing the investigation. “As soon as information becomes available that can be released to the public, it will be disclosed,” he stated. The investigation follows a period of extreme political turbulence in Hungary, marked by the significant electoral defeat of Viktor Orbán and the subsequent fading of his key lieutenants from the public sphere.

Szijjártó, who had previously disappeared from public view following the election results, was recently rumored to be transitioning to a private sector role at the Chinese automotive giant BYD. He was expected to lead the company’s external relations and business development sectors. However, the revelation of this state-level investigation into his past diplomatic dealings with Russia may fundamentally alter his future prospects and legacy.

This development is part of a broader European effort to curb the influence of Kremlin-backed agents within the EU. European nations are becoming increasingly vigilant against efforts to undermine their security, as evidenced by various ongoing crackdowns on espionage and sabotage operations across the continent. For many observers, this investigation is a sign that the political environment in Central Europe is shifting toward greater transparency and a more rigorous stance against external interference.

As the investigation progresses, observers expect that more light will be shed on how Russian interests were promoted within the Hungarian government during the years of Orbán’s rule. For Ukraine and its Western allies, this development represents a potentially significant shift, signaling that Hungary may be moving toward a more critical appraisal of its relations with Moscow. The findings of the Hungarian authorities will likely have long-term implications for the country’s diplomatic alignment within the European Union, making this one of the most closely watched stories in the region.