During a security forum in Minsk, Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto sharply criticized EU sanctions against Belarus and Russia, advocating for dialogue over isolation. The October 31 visit represents a rare engagement with Belarus under the authoritarian rule of Alyaksandr Lukashenka, particularly following the regime's harsh crackdown on dissent after the disputed 2020 presidential election. Szijjarto firmly opposed the sanctions targeting Russia for its ongoing invasion of Ukraine and sanctions against Belarus for its repression of opposition and support for Moscow. "We do not accept any restrictions on whom we cooperate with. We dislike sanctions politics," he said. Opening his address in Russian, Szijjarto signaled his intent to engage directly with the local audience, stating, "It is a great honor for me to be back in Minsk" and expressing hope that discussions during his visit would avoid a backlash from Brussels. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Belarus Service, click here.
