President Sulyok hesitates to name Russia as perpetrator of Transcarpathian strike
What transpired between 8:35 and 9:33 this morning? At 8:35, President Tamás Sulyok posted that Russian forces had attacked Transcarpathia. Less than an hour later, however, he removed the word “Russian,” referring only to a missile strike. According to the pro-government outlet Index, Sulyok had not yet received confirmation of Russian responsibility. Opposition politicians, meanwhile, argue that the edit reveals the president as little more than a puppet of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán—and his propaganda machine—speaking only when and how Fidesz deems fit. Political analyst Gábor Török went further, accusing Sulyok of digital illiteracy.
Russian missile strike also targets Hungarians in Transcarpathia
Early this morning, Russian missiles struck multiple sites in Transcarpathia. Two Kalibr missiles hit the American-owned Flex electronics plant and its warehouse in Mukachevo, sending thick black smoke laden with toxic substances into the air just a few dozen kilometres from the Hungarian border. At least 15 people were injured, several of whom remain hospitalised. No Hungarian casualties have been reported. Click for more details about the attack.
Are Ukrainians also to blame for being invaded?
President Sulyok was among the first to respond, expressing wishes for a speedy recovery and calling for an end to the bloodshed by urging the conclusion of the Russia–Ukraine war. His message appeared to place equal blame on both sides, echoing the Orbán government’s long-standing narrative that Ukraine provoked Russia and that, while Russia is the aggressor, Ukrainians should seek peace rather than defend themselves.
The Hungarian government has yet to resolve this contradiction, as pursuing peace would require recognising Russian occupation. Meanwhile, during a meeting in Alaska with Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin appeared to signal ambitions for further territorial gains currently held by Ukrainian forces.
Hungary’s President wouldn’t say it was Russia
Sulyok went further still. At 8:35, he posted that Transcarpathia had been struck by a Russian missile—an assertion confirmed by all sources. There was no contradictory information at the time. Yet by 9:33, he edited the post, removing the term “Russian” and referring merely to a missile strike, creating the impression of a conflict in which both sides were equally culpable and anyone could have targeted a city inhabited by ethnic Hungarians.
The Hungarian opposition has responded with bewilderment. Many criticised the president’s apparent need to conform, dubbing him a mere puppet who should resign.
Here’s the official explanation
According to Index, Sulyok amended the wording because his office was awaiting detailed confirmation of the strike’s circumstances, even though he wished to respond promptly. Gábor Török had previously highlighted Sulyok’s subservience to the prime minister; on this occasion, he commented on the president’s digital illiteracy in a Facebook post.
The post has not been altered since.
In Hungary, the president is elected by Parliament via a two-thirds secret vote. Tamás Sulyok was nominated by the Fidesz–KDNP alliance led by Viktor Orbán. The alliance holds a two-thirds majority in Parliament and was solely responsible for his election.
Read also:
- 20 August: Péter Magyar ready to govern; Orbán’s Fidesz: Magyar is Brussels’ puppet
- Trump calls PM Orbán after Putin: White House eyes Budapest for Ukraine peace summit
Click for more news concerning the ongoing war in Ukraine.
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