In Hungary, an article about the staged assassination attempt on Orbán was labeled as pro-Ukrainian propaganda
The Hungarian government has denied reports by the American newspaper *The Washington Post* alleging that Russian intelligence agencies were planning a staged assassination attempt on Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
This was reported by the Hungarian publication Telex.
The Hungarian government called the article completely false and pro-Ukrainian propaganda, while at the same time baselessly accusing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of making public threats against the Hungarian leader. The reaction came on March 21, 2026, amid domestic political tensions in Hungary ahead of the elections.
Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó supported the government’s position, accusing the Ukrainian side and the Hungarian opposition—specifically the Tisza Party—of spreading conspiracy theories to destabilize the country. According to the foreign minister, reports of a Russian connection to a possible assassination attempt constitute an attempt to interfere in the electoral process. Despite Budapest’s harsh rhetoric, international observers link such statements to Orbán’s attempt to maintain the loyalty of the electorate and distance himself from toxic ties with Russia amid Moscow’s global isolation.
Media tension surrounding Hungary is also rising due to pressure from the EU and the U.S. regarding the blocking of financial aid to Ukraine. While the Trump administration reports military successes in the Middle East, European leaders, notably Friedrich Merz, are hinting at possible sanctions against Budapest for obstructing the common defense policy. Accusations of propaganda remain a key tool for the Hungarian government to counter criticism from Western media and NATO partners.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance plans to visit Hungary in the coming days to show support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ahead of the parliamentary elections.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that military and financial support from European countries is the main factor prolonging the fighting.
As a reminder, Orbán claimed that Ukrainians are threatening his family and children.
