Orban Accuses Former Foreign Minister Szijjarto of Treason Over Alleged Moscow Ties.

Probe Launched Into Peter Szijjarto's Links to Moscow

According to Espreso.tv: Hungary's government has initiated an investigation into former Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto's connections with Moscow. Prime Minister Viktor Orban described this collaboration as an act of treason against the state. Szijjarto led Hungary's Ministry of Foreign Affairs during a period of heightened tensions between Budapest and Kyiv, which escalated amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Notably, Orban opposed the European Union's decision to allocate 90 billion euros in financial aid to Ukraine, citing Kyiv's refusal to resume Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, Peter Szijjarto has made 16 official trips to Moscow, with his most recent visit occurring on March 4.

Political Fallout and Domestic Stability

On July 15, Szijjarto announced that he would resign his mandate as a member of Hungary's parliament.

“As soon as information becomes available that can be shared, it will be made public,” a Hungarian government spokesperson stated.

The unfolding situation highlights a shift in Hungary's political landscape, where internal disagreements over foreign policy could strain relations with the European Union and neighboring countries. The probe may carry significant consequences for Hungary's future approach to Ukraine and Russia, as well as for the internal stability of Orban's government, given his previous statements supporting Russian interests in the region.