“Lavrov reportedly said: 'Sometimes good-willed direct blackmailing is the best option.'”

“The transcripts and audio recordings — obtained by media outlets VSquare, Frontstory, Delfi Estonia, The Insider and the Investigative Centre of Ján Kuciak — come days before Hungary's pivotal general election on Sunday.”

“Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule faces its strongest challenge yet from opposition leader Péter Magyar, whose Tisza Party currently tops the polls.”

“The Washington Post had previously reported that Szijjártó had called Russian officials during breaks in Foreign Affairs Council meetings in Brussels.”

“After the 2023 call between Szijjártó and Lavrov, Orbán dropped his veto and left for a coffee break, allowing the other 26 EU leaders to agree on opening membership talks with Ukraine.”

“The new leaks also include another transcript, dated 2 July 2024 — during Hungary's rotating presidency of the EU Council — which captures Szijjártó calling Lavrov again to arrange a meeting between Orbán and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.”

“During the call, Szijjártó also appeared to emphasise the diplomatic clout of Orbán's visit. 'We cannot divide the two, but I think it increases the significance that he is the Chair of the European Union,' he said, according to the transcript.”