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Assassination attempt against PM Orbán? Russian foreign intelligence apparently considering it – Updated
A recent report by The Washington Post has sparked controversy after claiming that a unit within Russia’s foreign intelligence service considered a drastic and highly controversial scenario involving Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ahead of elections.
Allegations of a “game-changer” strategy
According to the report, officers within Russia’s SVR intelligence agency discussed the possibility that an assassination attempt (potentially even a staged one) could fundamentally change Hungary’s political campaign.
The idea was described internally as a “game-changer”, suggesting it could shift public discourse away from socio-economic concerns towards emotional issues such as national security and political stability.
While there is no indication that any such plot was ever carried out, the mere suggestion shows what sources describe as the high strategic importance of Hungary to Moscow.
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Why is Hungary so important to Russia?
According to 444, Hungary has long been viewed as a key partner for the Kremlin within both the European Union and NATO. Under Viktor Orbán, the country has maintained relatively close ties with Russia.
Unnamed European security sources cited in the report claim that Moscow regards Orbán as a valuable ally. One official reportedly described him as “one of Russia’s most important assets”, adding that it would be difficult to imagine the Kremlin remaining passive if his political position were threatened.
The report also alleges that Russia has previously sought to influence Hungarian public opinion through coordinated social media campaigns portraying Orbán as the sole defender of national sovereignty.
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Claims of influence operations
The article also suggests that Kremlin-linked narratives were disseminated in Hungary with the help of intermediaries, including individuals connected to the Russian embassy in Budapest. These efforts allegedly included attempts to discredit opposition figures.
Additionally, intelligence sources claimed that Russian operatives may have engaged in wider influence activities across the country, although these assertions are still unverified publicly.
Russia has consistently denied any involvement in foreign election interference. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the report as “another example of disinformation”, while the Russian embassy in Budapest reiterated that Moscow does not interfere in other nations’ domestic politics.
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FM Szijjártó: It’s the Ukrainians and Tisza Party
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated that Ukrainian propaganda outlets and their Hungarian partners are also spreading absurd claims about so-called self-inflicted attacks.
In a video published on Facebook on Saturday, Péter Szijjártó said that “it appears that the Tisza Party and those backing them have become alarmed by what has taken place over the past week or two. They see the crowds at Viktor Orbán’s rallies, they have witnessed the largest Peace March of all time, and they can see that people in Hungary do not want war.”
He added that “now Ukrainian propaganda media and their Hungarian partners are talking nonsense about self-inflicted attacks. Interestingly, the leader of the Tisza Party spoke about exactly this a few weeks or months ago. The reality is that Hungarians can see through this. They clearly recognise that these fake stories, these lies forming part of Ukrainian propaganda, are created for no other reason than to support the Tisza Party in the Hungarian elections and to influence the outcome.”
“But we Hungarians will not allow this,” he stressed.
“It is not enough that Zelenskyy is blackmailing Hungary, nor that he is issuing deadly threats against the Prime Minister; now they are also fabricating all kinds of insane conspiracy theories.” He added that “on 12 April, the Hungarian people will cast their votes, and they can ensure that it is not Zelenskyy who has the last laugh.”
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Featured image: Orbán Viktor/Facebook
Orban Viktor without a doubt is Russia’s biggest asset inside the EU and NATO. They will do anything to keep him in power. Fortunately European intelligence was able to pick up on this plot and thus defuse the ability of it to affect opinion in favour of Fidesz if the public is forewarned. .