Former Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó contacted Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during the Wagner Group’s armed rebellion in the summer of 2023. Szijjártó reportedly initiated the contact out of concern for the situation unfolding in Russia. The purpose of the call was to inquire about Lavrov’s well-being amidst the instability. This demonstrates Hungary’s attempt to maintain communication channels with Russia during a period of internal conflict. The outreach suggests a desire for reassurance regarding the safety of key Russian officials and the overall stability of the Russian government. Details regarding the content of the conversation beyond the inquiry about Lavrov’s safety have not been released. This event highlights Hungary’s continued diplomatic engagement with Russia despite international tensions.