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Hungarian FM: “No Russian interference” – blames Ukraine instead
Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has firmly rejected claims of Russian interference in Hungary’s upcoming parliamentary elections, while also dismissing suggestions that Budapest could send troops to Iran as “science fiction”.
Speaking at a public forum and in media interviews, the minister pushed back against multiple allegations circulating in recent days, framing them as misinformation and political distraction.
“There is no Russian interference”
Addressing concerns about potential foreign meddling in Hungary’s 2026 elections, Szijjártó was unequivocal: such interference simply does not exist.
“I would see it if there were any intervention – I am the foreign minister,” he told 444.hu, rejecting reports about Russian intelligence activity in Budapest as false.
According to Szijjártó, claims of Russian involvement are fabricated narratives designed to divert attention from what he described as “obvious Ukrainian interference”. He insisted that while Hungary would strongly oppose any foreign meddling, only Ukraine, not Russia, has attempted to influence domestic affairs.
He also accused opposition figure Péter Magyar of spreading false claims about Russian activities.
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Troop deployment to Iran ruled out
The foreign minister also addressed controversy surrounding remarks by Cabinet Minister Gergely Gulyás, who had suggested Hungary might consider sending troops to Iran if requested by former US president Donald Trump.
Szijjártó distanced himself from the statement, saying he had not yet heard Gulyás’s comments in full but described the idea itself as unrealistic.
“This is science fiction,” he said, adding that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had already made it clear that Hungary would not deploy troops to the Middle East.
He emphasised that no such request had been made by Trump in any case, and reiterated that Hungary has no intention of sending soldiers to the region.
Szijjártó suggested that narratives about Russian interference are politically motivated, aimed at shifting public attention away from other issues. At the same time, he reiterated that Hungary would reject any form of external interference, regardless of its source.
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Controversy over protest incident
The minister was also questioned about a recent incident involving a Ukrainian flag displayed during a political march. Reports later indicated that minors were involved, and one participant had previously been photographed with a local youth political leader connected to ruling Fidesz.
Szijjártó said he had no knowledge of the details, but added that the appearance of Ukrainian symbols was not surprising, referencing similar displays in the European Parliament.