In a rare diplomatic appearance in Minsk, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto condemned EU sanctions against Belarus and Russia, advocating for increased dialogue with both countries. Speaking at a security conference on October 31, Szijjarto criticized the EU’s punitive approach toward Belarus, ruled by authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka, as well as sanctions imposed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
“We do not accept any restrictions on whom we cooperate with. We dislike sanctions politics,” Szijjarto stated, addressing the Minsk audience in Russian to underscore his message of engagement. Hungary’s top diplomat also acknowledged that his visit might draw criticism from Brussels, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic channels over isolationist policies.
Szijjarto’s stance highlights Hungary’s continued divergence from broader EU policies toward Russia and Belarus, which have faced escalating sanctions in response to human rights abuses and aggression against Ukraine.
