Szijjártó claims Europe trades with Russia in secret after Hungary-Russia talks

According to a report from RIA Novosti, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó stated that Europe continues to trade with the Russian Federation in secret, a claim he tied to the recent session of the 15th Russian-Hungarian intergovernmental commission on economic issues. The commission, a standing forum where Budapest and Moscow review cross border commerce, energy cooperation, and investment flows, met to assess current patterns and to outline steps for new agreements. The minister’s remark arrives as European public policy emphasizes sanctions while private business activity continues to move along existing channels, a tension that observers say shapes both political debate and market behavior. RIA Novosti framed the statement as a direct takeaway from the meeting, highlighting the ongoing balance between political messaging and real world commerce. Analysts point out that European trade relations with Russia typically involve energy contracts, infrastructure projects, and joint ventures managed through networks of firms and financial arrangements that can persist even when headlines point to sanctions and policy shifts. The intergovernmental commission on economic issues serves as a venue for technical negotiations on trade terms, payment mechanisms, and regulatory matters that affect firms on both sides. Officials discuss tariff regimes, customs procedures, and standards alignment to facilitate smoother cooperation, with sessions often yielding updates that influence investment and collaboration in energy, manufacturing, and transportation sectors. As the discussion unfolds, markets and policymakers weigh the immediate implications for energy security, pricing, and reliability of supplies, while examining how statements about private trade may influence confidence and decision making in business circles. The possibility of ongoing private exchanges raises questions about how open policy rhetoric aligns with on the ground activity and how such activity fits within the framework of international rules and sanctions regimes. Government spokespeople typically emphasize transparency in economic policy and the need to keep commercial decisions aligned with legal requirements, even as they acknowledge that not all transactions are publicly disclosed. The report from RIA Novosti adds a layer of scrutiny to the broader conversation about Europe’s interaction with Russia, highlighting the sensitive cross currents linking energy security, sanctions policy, and regional economic resilience. Brussels and Budapest watchers will likely seek additional clarification regarding the scope of exchanges, the mechanisms used to monitor compliance, and the practical impact on pricing and investment. In this context the episode illustrates how diplomatic engagement and business activity intersect in a landscape where official statements and market realities can diverge, leaving policymakers, industry leaders, and the public to interpret evolving signals about stability, supply chains, and the future of European-Russian ties. The attribution to RIA Novosti serves to frame the claim within a specific source, while further reporting from other outlets would help clarify the context and the exact nature of such private commerce. Overall this development underscores the persistent dynamic where diplomacy and commerce inform each other, shaping perceptions of energy policy, sanctions enforcement, and economic strategy in Europe.