The ongoing war involving Ukraine has become a major issue in the upcoming elections in Hungary.
Hungary’s government claims Ukraine is trying to influence the election result. Officials say Kyiv may attempt actions that could harm Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his ruling Fidesz.
Government ministers have even warned about possible attacks on energy infrastructure and threats against Orbán’s family.
Ukraine Rejects the Accusations
The Ukrainian government strongly denies these claims.
Officials in Kyiv say Hungary’s leadership is spreading anti-Ukraine messages to frighten voters before the election.
According to Ukraine, the campaign aims to help Fidesz secure another victory.
Russia Linked to Disinformation Concerns
Reports also suggest a third player may be involved.
According to the Financial Times, a Kremlin-linked firm called the Social Design Agency may be planning a disinformation campaign.
The alleged campaign would support Orbán and damage the reputation of the opposition Tisza Party and its leader Péter Magyar.
Polls Show Tight Race
Hungary will hold parliamentary elections in about a month.
Recent opinion polls show Fidesz trailing the Tisza Party by 39% to 50%.
Some analysts believe the government’s strong messaging about Ukraine shows growing concern about the election result.
Others say Orbán understands his supporters well. They argue the strategy could still deliver a fifth consecutive victory for the prime minister.
Energy Dispute Adds Tension
The conflict also affects energy supplies.
Oil deliveries through the Druzhba Pipeline stopped in late January.
The interruption followed a drone strike linked to Russia that caused a fire at the Brody oil facility in western Ukraine.
Hungary depends on this pipeline for crude oil supplies.
Orbán’s government claims Ukraine is delaying repairs to pressure Hungary during the election period.
However, security analyst András Rácz says technical problems remain.
He explained that a damaged oil tank forced engineers to store crude oil inside the pipeline, which prevents normal operations.
Ukraine says repairs could take about six weeks.
Campaign Messaging Intensifies
The election campaign has become highly charged.
Billboards across Hungary feature images of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky alongside opposition leader Péter Magyar.
Government messaging claims the opposition could push Hungary into the Ukraine conflict.
Magyar strongly denies this accusation and calls his party the “true party of peace.”
Military Patrols Raise Concerns
The Hungarian government has deployed soldiers to guard key energy sites.
Officials say the move aims to reassure the public.
Opposition figures argue the action is meant to increase fear among voters.
Hungary’s defence minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky has warned that energy facilities could face “hybrid threats,” including sabotage.
Growing Political Standoff
Tensions between Hungary and Ukraine have also affected European politics.
Orbán recently blocked a major financial support package for Ukraine within the European Union.
Meanwhile, Zelensky suggested countries blocking EU aid could face consequences, though he did not name Hungary directly.
Orbán later accused Ukraine of using threats and pressure against his government.
As the election approaches, the war in Ukraine continues to shape Hungary’s political debate.
