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Russian disinformation network spreads fake assassination and coup claims about Orbán
A coordinated Russian-linked disinformation campaign has begun circulating fabricated videos claiming an assassination attempt and a potential coup against Viktor Orbán, according to investigative reports. It appears that the content is part of a broader effort to inflame tensions and manipulate public discourse ahead of the parliamentary elections in Hungary.
Fake videos mimic trusted media brands
The operation has been linked to the so-called Matryoshka network, which specialises in disguising false content using the logos and visual identity of reputable international media outlets. Much of the activity has been observed on X, where coordinated bot accounts artificially boost the visibility of misleading posts, according to the post of Russian opposition investigative outlet Agents Media.
One widely circulated video falsely presented itself as a report by Deutsche Welle. It claimed that a group of Ukrainian refugees had been fatally injured while attempting to detonate an improvised explosive device near the Hungarian prime minister’s office. Despite being entirely fabricated, the video reportedly reached around 100,000 views due to coordinated amplification.
Kremlin-backed bots have begun circulating videos about “an assassination attempt” on Viktor Orban. The staged incident was part of a secret plan by the SVR
— Новости «Агентства» (@agents_media) March 22, 2026
The “Matryoshka” disinformation network, linked to the Russian authorities, has begun circulating videos on the social… pic.twitter.com/Ue1rglGxw1
Escalating narratives targeting Hungary
Further posts attributed to the network push increasingly aggressive narratives, many of which attempt to frame Ukrainians as a destabilising force in Hungary. Among the false claims are messages allegedly sent to Hungarian citizens urging them to take up arms, resist authorities, and even assassinate the prime minister, Hungarian investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi reported.
Another fabricated story suggested that Oleh Tatarov had called for a “bloody revolution” in Hungary, while a separate post falsely claimed that Yevhen Khmara had published Orbán’s personal data online alongside a call to action.
The campaign has also attempted to exploit the credibility of respected organisations and figures. In one instance, a fake video used the branding of The Kyiv Independent to claim that Ukraine’s cultural ministry had officially recognised a graffiti artist promoting violence against Orbán. Another falsely attributed statements to Eliot Higgins, alleging that Ukraine’s security services were planning a violent takeover in Hungary.
Links to Kremlin-backed influence operations
The network’s activities have been analysed by the Bot Blocker initiative, which tracks coordinated bot campaigns. Researchers say the content aligns with previous operations tied to Russian intelligence-linked influence efforts, often aimed at deepening divisions between Hungary and Ukraine.
According to findings cited by Szabolcs Panyi, the latest wave of disinformation represents a notable escalation. While earlier campaigns focused on spreading inflammatory but less direct narratives, the introduction of coup scenarios and assassination claims marks a new level of intensity.
Disinformation and election interference concerns
Analysts note that some of the narratives suggest unrest or even a coup attempt could follow an election victory by a Kremlin-friendly candidate: an angle not previously observed in similar operations.
The videos began appearing in mid-March, with election-related themes becoming dominant across all newly published content within days. Experts warn that such campaigns are designed not only to mislead but also to create confusion, erode trust in institutions, and amplify existing geopolitical tensions.
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