Russian dawn attack against Transcarpathia: Hungarian community at physical danger

According to Russia expert András Rácz, the early morning Russian missile and drone strike on Transcarpathia demonstrates that this Ukrainian region, home to a sizeable Hungarian minority, can no longer be considered safe. The last Russian strike on Transcarpathia occurred in February 2022 and caused no casualties. It remains uncertain whether this latest assault will spark a new wave of refugees—including Hungarians—seeking safety in Hungary. Meanwhile, the number of injured continues to climb, as thick black smoke, potentially laced with toxic substances, spreads near the Hungarian border following a fire at an electronics factory.

Transcarpathia no longer safe?

In recent years, Transcarpathia had been regarded as a relative haven within war-torn Ukraine. It attracted refugees from the east of the country, who were struck not only by its linguistic and religious diversity but also by its comparatively effective public services and its semblance of ordinary daily life.

That perception may have changed overnight. According to reports from MTI, Russian forces launched a combined missile and drone offensive across Ukraine. At least 12 people were injured when the city of Mukachevo—Transcarpathia’s second-largest urban centre—was struck, according to a statement on the official Facebook page of the Mukachevo City Council and reports from both national and regional Ukrainian media.

Multiple strikes reported in Transcarpathia

András Rácz observed that Russia deployed a wide range of weaponry, including drones, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles launched from bombers and naval vessels, glide bombs, and Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. One Russian Geran drone struck near the village of Lipovets (Hárspatak) in the Khust district, though no casualties were reported there. Rácz suggested that the primary targets were in the Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk regions, with Transcarpathia serving largely as a transit zone. Fatalities were reported elsewhere.

At least a dozen injured in Mukachevo strike

In Mukachevo, less than 20 miles from the Hungarian border, two Russian Kalibr missiles hit the American-owned Flex electronics factory and warehouse, sparking a massive fire. The thick black smoke from the blaze was visible as far away as Berehove and could contain toxic substances given the type of facility involved.

At least 12 people were injured in the attack. Ten were transported to hospital by ambulance, while two others sought medical attention independently. All are reportedly in stable condition. Recovery operations at the plant are ongoing, and no Hungarian citizens are currently known to be among the injured.

Local journalist György Dunda reported this morning that the number of injured had risen to 15. “The youngest of the wounded is 22, the oldest 63. Reports indicate that two Kalibr missiles struck the plant while around 600 people were on shift,” he said.

Authorities urged residents to keep windows closed and remain indoors where possible, MTI reported.

Is Russia seeking to prolong the war?

Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha posted on X that this was not the first Russian strike this year on American-owned assets; earlier in the year, Russia had targeted Boeing’s offices in Kyiv. According to Sybiha, such attacks raise grave doubts about Moscow’s willingness to end the war and highlight the urgency of stronger security guarantees for Ukraine.

Russia expert András Rácz stressed that the overnight assault demonstrated that Transcarpathia is no longer beyond reach. He suggested that the Hungarian government should reclassify the region as one directly affected by the conflict. “That is important, because refugees from officially recognised conflict zones are eligible for Hungarian state assistance,” he explained.

Rácz warned that further strikes on Transcarpathia are likely. He also noted that, in connection with the so-called Ukrainian spy scandal, Hungarian agents allegedly gathering intelligence on the region’s air defences had been targeted. “This attack once again shows how critical and sensitive that type of information is,” he said.

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President Tamás Sulyok FM Szijjártó calls for an end to the violent conflict

“I express my deepest sympathy for the victims of the rocket attack on Mukachevo and wish them a swift recovery,” wrote the Hungarian President. Despite the Russian aggression, he described the conflict as a Russian-Ukrainian one, referring to “warring parties” and emphasising that they must jointly acknowledge the urgent need to end the “inhumane and senseless” bloodshed.

Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó also stressed the urgent need for peace. “News from Ukraine this morning once again proves that peace must come as soon as possible in our neighbouring country,” he wrote on Facebook on Thursday.

Russia attempted to invade Ukraine in February 2022, marking the start of the full-scale war that continues today. Prior to this, fighting had persisted in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and in 2014, Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula. The early morning attack was also carried out by Russian forces. Until now, there had been no hostilities in Zakarpattia Oblast, and Ukrainian forces had not launched attacks on Russia from that region.

Read also:

• War in Ukraine: Tragic death of Hungarian from Transcarpathia, Trump seeks trilateral meeting
• Anti-Hungarian graffiti urges Ukrainians to kill all Hungarians in Transcarpathia, Ukraine’s westernmost county

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