Russia has reportedly initiated a psychological operation aimed at the Hungarian minority in western Ukraine to exacerbate tensions with Hungary amid escalating political disputes.
On March 18, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported that Russia has launched a significant hybrid operation targeting the Hungarian ethnic community in western Ukraine, specifically in Zakarpattia Oblast. This operation is reportedly designed to instigate both local and international tensions, coinciding with rising disputes between Ukraine and Hungary. The SBU alleges that Russian operatives are impersonating Ukrainian law enforcement or nationalist group members to create panic among ethnic Hungarians by issuing threats and urging them to leave the country.
The operations appear to be conducted from Russia, utilizing technology to spoof phone numbers to make calls resemble those coming from Ukrainian authorities. This tactic is part of a broader strategy to weaken the situation in the border region and heighten antagonism between Ukraine and Hungary. The backdrop to these psychological operations is a notable shift in Hungary’s political landscape, where Prime Minister Viktor Orban, known for his rapprochement with the Kremlin, has intensified his combative rhetoric against Ukraine.
This escalating conflict not only puts pressure on the Hungarian community in Ukraine but also reflects a larger geopolitical struggle involving Russian influence in the region. As Hungary approaches elections, the implications may be profound, affecting not only bilateral relations between Budapest and Kyiv but also the internal dynamics within Hungary as Orban’s government navigates its increasingly contentious stance towards neighboring Ukraine.
