Marta Gichko13:33, 24.06.26

The Hungarian Foreign Minister called Lavrov,

inquired about the situation in Russia, and offered personal assistance to the Russian diplomat.

Journalists have published a recording of a telephone conversation between Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The conversation took place on June 24, 2023, during the assassination of the founder of the Wagner Group , Yevgeny Prigozhin. This was reported by investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi, who published the transcript as part of the international project “Kremlin Hotline”.

According to published materials, Szijjártó called his Russian colleague to inquire about the situation in Russia and Lavrov’s personal condition after Wagner units seized military facilities in Rostov-on-Don and moved towards Moscow.

At the beginning of the conversation, the Hungarian minister asked Lavrov whether the Russian authorities were in control of the situation.

“I just want to know if you have the situation under control and are you okay?” Szijjártó asked Lavrov.

In response, the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry assured that the situation was under control:

“We are in full control of the situation. The president has said everything necessary. Don’t worry, we will calmly resolve this issue.”

During the conversation, Szijjártó was also interested in reports about the Wagner group’s advance towards Moscow and rumors about the possible departure of the Russian leadership from the capital.

Offering personal assistance

At the end of the conversation, the Hungarian diplomat expressed support for his Russian colleague.

“Well, if you personally need anything, just let me know!” Szijjártó said.

Lavrov responded to this with laughter and assured that he did not need help.

“I don’t need anything. No problem. Thank you for calling,” the Russian Foreign Minister said.

(c)UNIAN 2026