Number of harassed Russians in Hungary growing steeply?

Budapest protest against Russia's invasion

Protest in Budapest against Russia's invasion Photo: MTI

The Russian embassy has established a hotline because they claim that the number of harassments against Russian individuals has been increasing in Hungary. Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February. However, despite Putin’s plans, they could not occupy the country within a couple of days. On the contrary, even cities with a Russian majority fought back the invaders, so a few weeks ago the Russian military started to attack civilian targets. Therefore, millions of Ukrainian fled the country, more than 200,000 came to Hungary.

More and more refugees in Hungary

As the Hungarian government declared it earlier they welcome all Ukrainian refugees. PM Viktor Orbán added that the Ukrainian refugees could even find employment in Hungary. Afterwards, many representatives of different sectors said that they would hire a Ukrainian workforce. HERE you can read our article covering the issue.

Most Ukrainian citizens fleeing Ukraine come from Transcarpathia, where more than 120 thousand Hungarians live(d). We provided some historical background in THIS article on why so many Hungarians live there. Furthermore, HERE you can also find out whether or not this minority group has ever been separatist. Even though most non-Hungarian refugees continued their journey from Hungary to Slovakia, the Czech Republic or Germany to unite with relatives, some remained.

Russian embassy claims Russians are not safe in Hungary

The Russian embassy in Budapest has announced that they would establish a hotline. As a result, Russian individuals could notify them if they experienced harassment, insults or discrimination in Hungary. They said that the initiative was prompted by the increasing number of atrocities against Russian expats.

Read also: Hungarian and Ukrainian drivers started a fight in Tata because of the letter ‘Z’

Those Russians who experience such atrocities can send an email to help@rusembhungary.ru or fill an online form available HERE. They did not add though how they would proceed afterwards. They also forgot to mention what help Russian individuals may receive.

No evidence to support claims

Finally, they did not provide any evidence on which they base their claim that the number of Russian citizens suffering discrimination, insults in Hungary is rising. We have not read any supporting articles in the Hungarian media since 24th February. However, the number of Ukrainian refugees rises, and many of them started to work and travel in Hungary. Therefore, they might meet Russian individuals, and conflicts can be inevitable. If you have heard about such stories, please contact us via email (info@dailynewshungary.com) or write us in the comment section.

According to 444.hu, approximately 20 thousand Russians live in Hungary. The state acknowledges 13 minorities, but Russians are not among them. They wanted to become state-acknowledged in 2006 and 2018, but the Parliament refused to accept their request. They said that the Russians have been living in Hungary for less than 100 years.