Russia’s alleged recruitment of Hungarian mercenaries: Illegal activities uncovered?
An allegedly Hungarian pro-Russia group has been recruiting Hungarian mercenaries through Russian social media with promises of high salaries, citizenship and social support in exchange for fighting against Ukraine.
The so-called Legion of Saint Stephen (Szent István Légiója) began recruiting mercenaries for the Russian military in September 2023, as reported by Blikk. While their invitation is open to all nationalities, Hungarians enjoy priority in admission. The group offers a high salary, though not specifying details on the exact amount, and citizenship for Hungarians upon joining the Russian military ranks.
In one of their posts, they addressed potential recruits:
“Dear Friends, we are once again starting the recruitment of volunteers. […] Combat experience is welcome, though not mandatory; we will teach you everything.”
The Legion had previously engaged in recruitment efforts for Russia in 2014 – but their authenticity is questionable
Lakmusz mentions references to the group as early as 2014, allegedly mobilising Hungarians to partake in conflicts within Eastern Ukraine. However, it remained uncertain at the time whether they were an actual battalion made up of Hungarians or simply a creation of the Russian propaganda machine.
The Legion’s social media profile remained active over the years. However, in 2023, they intensified efforts to recruit individuals for the war cause, primarily through the Russian social media platform Vkontakte and various Telegram channels. Vkontakte has attracted a significant number of Hungarian users expressing pro-Russian sentiments; Lakmusz’s 2023 investigation revealed that the Legion boasted approximately 7,000 followers and nearly 30,000 posts on the platform.
In addition to recruitment activities, as detailed by Blikk, the Legion shares updates on the Ukrainian conflict (from a distinctly pro-Russian standpoint) while also posting occasionally about Budapest’s splendour, dubbing it the “jewel box of Europe,” and highlighting King Matthias.
Serving in foreign military is a crime in Hungary
It’s worth noting that serving in foreign militaries constitutes a criminal offence in Hungary. According to the Hungarian Civil Code, Hungarian citizens participating in foreign armed groups or recruiting others for such endeavours can face imprisonment for up to five years. In a notable case, a former police officer who enlisted in the Russian military in 2014 received a two-year suspended sentence upon returning to Hungary.
Furthermore, Lakmusz’s findings reveal that since 2018, several individuals linked to the Legion of Saint Stephen have been sought by authorities for illegal recruitment into foreign military activities. According to Blikk, two Hungarian men associated with the group, identifiable in pictures on the organisation’s social media, are wanted by police for their alleged involvement in the conflict in Donetsk in 2018.
However, security policy expert István Gyarmati underscores to the magazine that while there may be a limited number of Hungarian mercenaries fighting on the side of the Russians in the war, precise figures remain elusive.
Read more:
Putin likes this: PM Orbán says sending Western troops to Ukraine staggering idea – Read HERE
Orbán cabinet: Ending Russia-Ukraine war Hungary’s fundamental interest – HERE
Source: Blikk
Each of these mercenaries deserves a well targeted Ukrainian bullet.
There are American mercenaries fighting in Ukraine. Why should Hungarians not take advantage of a job offer?
Soldiering is like any other profession or line of work – go where the available work is with the best pay and/or benefits.
Without an official state of war between the participant’s nations I don’t really see an issue with it.
Are people equally outraged with the tens of thousands of foreign nationals serving as mercenaries in Ukraine? Or what about paths to citizenship like the French Foreign Legion?
What Magyar in their right mind would give up an EU citizenship for a Russian one?