Hungarian propaganda against Ukraine: what the Orban regime is spreading

On June 26, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced the results of a referendum on Hungary's support for Ukraine's EU membership. The majority of participants expectedly voted against it.

The referendum was held from April to June 20. The results are not binding. According to the Hungarian prime minister, "2 million 168 thousand of our compatriots voted not to take the risks associated with Ukraine's EU membership. This is 95% of all valid votes."

The government did everything to ensure that every Hungarian voted "correctly." It was a smear campaign full of fakes and manipulations targeting the entire country.

Ukraine's possible accession to the EU will negatively affect Hungarian pensions, lead to the spread of epidemics and organized Ukrainian crime, cause a flood of cheap, low-quality agricultural products to the Hungarian market, and take jobs away from Hungarians — members of the ruling Fidesz party spread these messages, top government officials, pundits, and government-controlled media.

The overarching thesis summarizes all the slogans: those who say "yes" to Ukraine's membership are actually saying "no" to European funds, because all the money will go to Ukraine.

Our research focuses on the main anti-Ukrainian narratives that emerged during the consultative referendum.

Hungary opposes Ukraine's European integration

It is hard not to notice that anti-Ukrainian rhetoric in Hungary is full of narratives that are in line with Russian propaganda. We have come across almost every anti-Ukrainian narrative in the Russian information field, and the Kremlin's propaganda broadcasts these theses to a global audience. But there are also relatively fresh ones, so to speak, with a Hungarian flavor.

One of the leading positions of the Hungarian government is that Ukraine should not receive financial and military assistance from the European Union. EU money is Hungarian money, and they don't want to pay for Kyiv's armaments.

The information campaign of the pro-government Hungarian media in 2025 is filled with false news. This ensures that Hungarians answer "no" to the question, "Do you support Ukraine's membership in the European Union?"

Ukraine is portrayed as a mafia state

Ukrainians are the world's main criminals: "Ukrainians are the most numerous foreign offenders in Poland in 2024".

Ukrainian organized crime may gain a foothold in Hungary: "Ukraine is in fact a mafia state, ranks among the highest in Europe in terms of crime, and, if it becomes a member of the EU, it could create serious security risks."

If Ukraine joins the EU, Hungarian soldiers will be sent to war

Ukraine’s membership could drag the EU – and indirectly NATO – into war.”

Hungarian State Secretary Tamas Menzer intimidated Hungarians by saying, “If Ukraine officially becomes a member of the EU, European and Hungarian soldiers may be sent there." On June 16, Orban posted a video generated by artificial intelligence showing Hungarians fighting. The footage shows young people with Hungarian flags, having fun, but later they find themselves on the battlefield. The next shot is of coffins with Hungarian flags. The video ends with a statement by the prime minister calling for a poll on Ukraine's membership in the European Union. "We do not want our children to be sent to the Ukrainian front or even to Ukrainian territory in the uniform of the Hungarian army, we do not want them to return in coffins," Orban said.

Discrediting Zelensky and Ukrainian officials

Zelenskyy is the primary beneficiary of the continuation of the war: "Ukrainians consider Zelensky and his system to be deeply corrupt. And this is increasingly recognized in Europe as well. It is not surprising that Zelensky, referring to the war, hesitated to announce presidential elections. "The worse for the country, the better for them. They will do anything for power and money."

The Hungarian media repeat the narrative that Zelensky is not a politician, but only a comedian: "Zelensky's biggest trick in the past was playing the piano with his penis."

In its accusations, propaganda relies on the testimony of pro-Russian figures, most of whom have fled abroad: MPs Artem Dmytruk, Oleksandr Dubinsky, and former OP advisor Oleksi Arestovych.

Kyiv infringes on the rights of Hungarians in Ukraine

Ukraine is oppressing the Hungarian diaspora. There are special organizations that make the life of Hungarians in Zakarpattia Region dangerous: "Ukrainian paramilitary organizations make sure that Hungarians do not feel comfortable there."

The harassment began after 2014 and put the Hungarian diaspora in "an even worse situation than it was in Soviet times." The symbiosis of Orban's propaganda and Russian special operations is fascinating here. After all, there are facts established by the court that it was the Russians who organized the arson of the Hungarian center in Zakarpattia (read more about this here).

Ukrainians will spread diseases in the EU

Ukraine has no system of vaccination and prevention against dangerous diseases: "Vaccination has been effective in Hungary for seventy years, and its support is critical because diseases such as tuberculosis are spreading again. This is especially true for Ukraine, where the incidence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is much higher than in other countries. "If an eastern country joins the EU, low vaccination rates will pose a serious threat to the health of our citizens."

Ukrainians can also spread cholera: "The emergence of drug-resistant bacteria in Ukraine signals the threat of a post-antibiotic era. Due to poor hygiene, Cholera periodically rears its head on the Black Sea coast." Interestingly, it was pro-Russian characters in Ukraine who were at the forefront of the anti-vaccination movement, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic (read about one example here).

There is no democracy in Ukraine, oligarchs rule it

Orban's propaganda denies Ukraine the status of a democratic country: "Corrupt oligarchs rule Ukraine, there is no democracy there." The last democratic elections were held before the Revolution of Dignity in 2014, and everything that followed was a sham and a staged picture: "The country hasn't had democratic elections for more than a decade and a half, and it is at war."

This is a whole bunch of classic Russian narratives. The thesis that oligarchs rule Ukraine is as old as Putin's presidency (read about one example of its latest use here). The Revolution of Dignity as a coup is from the same outdated hit parade. (Interestingly, this oft-repeated Russian thesis has even penetrated American political discussions. It has been used by various pro-Russian figures to justify the need to cut off American military aid. Read more about this here).

Ukraine is harming Hungary's energy industry

Ukraine deliberately harms Hungary's energy security: "Ukraine continues to take steps that threaten Hungary's energy security."

In this context, Hungarian officials say that Ukraine cannot be a member of the EU or NATO because it neglects the interests of its partners: "Sabotaging the infrastructure of a friendly country is politically a perilous move, especially for a country at war and in need of international support. A lot of people question whether a country willing to endanger even its partners for its own strategic goals can be a reliable ally of NATO."

The issue is the suspension of Russian gas and oil transit through Ukraine for Hungary starting in early 2025.

Drug trafficking from Ukraine to Europe

The Ukrainian drug market is growing at an unprecedented rate. Due to the war and the destabilization of the situation in the country, illegal drug trafficking is not prosecuted or punished by law, and the authorities do not deal with the drug market.

Ukraine is waging a propaganda campaign against Orban and Hungary

Ukraine is trying — partly with the help of Hungarian journalists — to spread discrediting materials and fake news about Viktor Orban to weaken Hungary's ability to defend its interests.

Ukraine's omnipotence is manifested in the substitution of international aid. According to Hungarian officials, Ukraine took over after the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) stopped funding some Hungarian media. And now these media are promoting the Ukrainian agenda and Kyiv's interests: "After the 'moving dollars' ran out, some editorial offices are now 'fighting for Ukrainian money'."

In the EU, Ukraine will receive all grants instead of Hungary

The consequence of Ukraine's membership in the EU for Hungary will be the termination of any irrevocable financial assistance from the EU. At the same time, Hungary will become a net contributor to the European budget with increased financial obligations.

Ukraine is such a large country that all European funds and Hungarian contributions will go there.

Ukraine's accession to the EU poses a threat to Hungarian pensioners

If Ukraine joins the EU, millions of Ukrainian pensioners could receive Hungarian pensions, which would reduce the size of current pensions in Hungary and, due to the enormous financial burden on the state, threaten to cancel the 13th pension.

Ukraine does not deserve to join the EU quickly and should wait like other countries

Suppose Ukraine joins the EU before other countries, waiting for ten, fifteen, or even twenty years. In that case, it will send the wrong signal and violate the principle that membership is granted according to the results achieved.

Some of the countries waiting to join are more prepared than Ukraine. And Kyiv does not currently meet European standards and requirements.

Ukraine's accession to the EU threatens Hungarian farmers

With Ukraine's accession to the EU, existing aid programs, including aid to agriculture, will be cut. According to Government Secretary of State Menzer Tamás, "if Ukraine is accepted into the European Union, Hungarian farmers will lose their EU funds, Hungarian farmers' money will flow to Ukraine"; "Ukraine's accession to the EU will destroy agriculture, it will suffer a large-scale reduction. Hundreds of thousands of families will be in a tough situation".

According to propaganda, Brussels wants to flood Europe with low-quality Ukrainian products, so Ukraine's accession to the EU will destroy Hungarian farmers.

Europe will bear the burden of rebuilding postwar Ukraine and will be devastated

The leitmotif theme in the pro-government Hungarian media is the reconstruction of Ukraine. According to propaganda reports, the entire burden of rebuilding postwar Ukraine will fall on the shoulders of European taxpayers, and this will devastate Europe: "Reconstruction will devastate Europe and us (Hungarians — Ed.)".

Ukraine's financial viability depends solely on external sources, mainly debt. This situation will not change, placing a heavy economic and political burden on Ukraine and the entire European Union.

Ukraine is on the verge of bankruptcy, and if it joins the EU, it will have to finance European citizens, including Hungarians.

Ukrainians will take jobs from Hungarians

Hundreds of thousands of migrants will come to Ukraine, and there will be a shortage of jobs: "After joining the EU and possibly joining the Schengen area, it will also be easier to travel and cross the border. This will probably encourage Ukrainians to work in Hungary or Western Europe."

The influx of Ukrainians will lead to a drop in wages in Hungary and the possibility of full-time employment: "We definitely don't want two things. We do not want to become a target for hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian workers, and we do not want to become a gateway for the Ukrainian mafia."

Ukraine is under the control of globalists, George Soros, and liberals

Another fat Russian thesis about "external governance" that the Orban media machine has begun to relay: Ukraine is not a sovereign state. Brussels, Washington, liberals, globalists, or Soros control Kyiv. They are forcing the introduction of new values that are not inherent in the West and pose a threat to the Hungarian way of life: "Kyiv began promoting gay pride parades and LGBTQ propaganda in the country after the so-called Revolution of Dignity, a Western-backed coup d'état in 2014. At that time, all government agencies and institutions were headed by Western-educated professionals, most of whom received support from Soros organizations during their studies."

(It is worth noting here that in the worldview of many right-wingers in the United States and Europe, the Revolution of Dignity is a left-wing radical event, on par with protests for a free Palestine or marches for LGBTQ rights. However, the 2014 Maidan united Ukrainians with political views across the spectrum, from the far left to the far right. The Revolution of Dignity is an anti-colonial uprising against attempts to restore the Russian Empire. It does not fit into any of the templates of the current "culture wars").

In this picture of the world, Zelensky is a traitor who has destroyed his country for the sake of someone else's interests.

Texty.org.ua has separately investigated the sources of anti-Soros hysteria in Ukraine (read more here). For the first time, philanthropist Soros was called an enemy, and conspiracy theories were built around him. Later on, the Orange Revolution and the Revolution of Dignity were explained by Russian propaganda as the "hand of Soros."

In Ukraine, the Soros theme was actively developed by pro-Russian politician Medvedchuk's notorious channels, created with Russian money (fortunately, they have already been closed).

Ironically, Medvedchuk earned money from the Russian diesel transit through the pipeline to Hungary. He probably used the same funds to maintain his propaganda machine, which worked in Russia's interests.

Prostitution and human trafficking are flourishing in Ukraine

Human trafficking and prostitution in Ukraine are being practiced by both mafia gangs and senior government officials: "Evasion and prostitution are the family business of the Zelensky family"; "Two to four billion euros a year are paid to the President of Ukraine and his entourage by milking citizens who are obliged to serve in the army."

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko is the king of the capital's sex industry: "One of Klitschko's brothels is the main center of human trafficking in the global sex market"; "The prostitution empire in Kyiv is untouchable, not to mention the groups of veterans from units demobilized from the front who guard Klitschko's brothels and gambling establishments."

Ukrainians have already taken over brothels in Germany, and the turn could soon come to Hungary: "Ukrainians have been firmly rooted in major German cities for over 25 years. First, they took control of brothels. They bought them, and if the owner didn't want to sell, they blackmailed him, for example, by kidnapping or killing someone from his family. Criminal groups lured thousands of young Ukrainian women to the West, promising good salaries and official employment. However, in the destination country, it quickly became clear that they would not work as hotel cleaners or servers. Those who resisted were beaten and tortured. Many were made drug addicts so that they would agree to do anything for a daily dose of heroin. Human trafficking has become enormous not only in Germany but also in other Western European countries."

Ukraine interferes in Hungary's internal affairs

Orban's supporters generalize: "If you support Ukraine, you are an opponent of Hungary."

The opposition party Tisza, which is gaining popularity in the country, is being actively branded as such. Péter Magyar, a former member of the ruling Fidesz party, leads it. Although he opposes Orban, Magyar is extremely cautious in his comments on Ukraine. He has stated that he does not support Ukraine's accelerated accession to the EU, believes it will be possible at least a decade from now, and that when he comes to power, he will call a referendum on the issue.

In the June 2024 European Parliament elections, Peter Magyar topped the list and his party won 7 Hungarian seats out of 21. The elected deputies joined the European People's Party faction.

It was a red rag for Orban's propaganda: "Manfred Weber, the chairman of the European People's Party and a supporter of the war, today at a press conference outlined his position on supporting Ukraine. He clearly stated that his party supports Ukraine with all available means and forces. And again he criticized the Hungarians"; "The Tisza party is subordinate to Manfred Weber".

The pro-government media report that Magyar is financed by foreign entities ("billions of forints invested by foreign financiers").

Government officials accuse Tisza of supporting Ukraine's European integration, and thus of betraying the interests of ordinary Hungarians. By opening its doors to Ukraine, Tisza is following Brussels' instructions (Tisza said "yes" to Ukraine's EU membership, and thus the pact between Brussels and the party was born).

The former Chief of the Hungarian General Staff, Lieutenant General Romulus Rusin-Szendy, another Tisza member, is accused of collaborating with Ukraine. He allegedly supported Ukraine contrary to Viktor Orban's orders and Hungary's interests: "As Chief of the General Staff, Romulus Rusin-Szendy conducted a double communication: in his reports he reflected an anti-war position that was in line with the Hungarian government line, and at NATO meetings he actually defended the pro-Ukrainian position and ended his speeches with the cry "Glory to Ukraine!".

This is yet another proof that Tysa is cooperating with Ukraine's special services and thus directly interfering in Hungary's internal affairs: "There is an obvious conspiracy between the Tisza party and Ukrainian intelligence, and it is increasingly clear that Romulus Rusin-Szendi is the intermediary"; "Tisza's ties to Ukraine violate the country's sovereignty".

Ukraine is a corrupt country

In Ukraine, corruption dominates the political environment and is rampant at the household level. The president and his cronies are the central corrupt officials.

Ukraine is accused of reselling everything it receives as aid, from weapons to humanitarian supplies: "Ukraine, which is resisting the Russian invasion, receives significant humanitarian aid from the EU and some European countries in addition to military, arms and energy aid, but corrupt officials are stealing these amounts"; "Donations often do not reach those who really need them."

Yes, there are problems with corruption in Ukraine, but its scale is much smaller than Russian propaganda tries to portray and Hungarian propaganda repeats.

Ukraine resells Western military aid

Another classic "song about the main thing" from the Kremlin. The weapons needed for the front are resold on the global illegal market: "Ukrainians sold a huge amount of American weapons on the international black market for twenty cents. These weapons are now in the hands of armed groups around the world, including Hamas, Mexican drug cartels, and the forces that now control Syria."

Ukrainians even sell dangerous pathogens and biological weapons: "Only God knows what the Ukrainians have done with the pathogens in American biolabs on the territory of their country. Even the US intelligence services do not know."

Brussels Cast as the Enemy

Orban's propaganda also centers on the leadership of the European Union.

This is what Hungarians are told:

• Brussels puts Ukraine's interests above those of Hungarians and other countries.
• By helping Ukraine, the EU leadership is prolonging the war.
• Brussels promises Ukraine membership in exchange for continuing the war with Russia.
• By helping Ukraine, Brussels is making Hungarians poorer.
• Europe is to blame for the war in Ukraine because it constantly provokes Russia.
• Brussels encourages the migration of people who destroy Western civilization.
• Brussels is engaged in gender propaganda that undermines the traditional pillars of society.
• Brussels wants to overthrow Orban and replace him with an obedient leadership.

Let's explain this line of Orban's propaganda a bit. According to it, Hungary bears a special burden and mission to confront the liberals in Europe, to change the EU according to the Hungarian vision: "We do not want to leave the EU, but the government will strengthen it with the help of patriots."

For Orban, the EU leadership is a "liberal empire" that seeks to replace Western civilization: "The empire wants to mix and then replace native Europeans with an invasion of alien civilizations. It seeks to lead the generation of our children and grandchildren from the healthy order of creation to the chaos of unnatural ways of life. It wants to overthrow the order and culture of Christian life and put us in the service of the gods of war instead of peace. The imperial machine devastated the entire Western world, but we stopped it on the borders of Hungary. We did not surrender. We did not allow them to occupy the country, the parliament, or the government. For fifteen years now, they have been unable to overcome us."

In this distorted picture of reality, the EU is prolonging the war in Ukraine, and every euro given to Ukraine is further funding for the war, a hopeless cause that threatens Hungary and Europe. And the war is being financed from the wallets of Hungarians: "It's not Brussels' money, it's Hungarian money. It is for all Hungarians."

At the same time, the West is being hypocritical because only the Ukrainian people are suffering. Europe's goals cannot be achieved, because it is impossible to defeat Russia on the battlefield (another message Russia is actively promoting around the world): "Ukrainian soldiers, who are being pushed forward as victims, are heroically fighting in increasingly futile ways, following the failed strategy of the past." In other words, we are seeing the blame game being played out: Ukraine became a victim not because of Russia's invasion, but because of Europe's actions.

This is the essence of Brussels' proposals to Kyiv - a war with Russia in exchange for membership in the Union. Ukraine could have made peace with Russia in 2022, and only this proposal prevented it from being established on Hungary's eastern borders: "EU membership will compensate the Ukrainian elite for believing Western promises and choosing to continue the war rather than peace in the spring of 2022."

Another classic Russian message repeated by Orban's propagandists is that "Europe is harming itself more than Russia by its actions. For example, with sanctions that hit Europeans' wallets, they cannot force Russia to make concessions.”

Government-controlled media

Hungary is a unique country in many ways. Although it is a member of the European Union, its policies have long been inconsistent with basic principles of European values.

The government controls most of the media space. For residents of many rural regions and small towns, government propaganda is essentially the only source of information about events in the country and the world. The government generously funds its media outlets.

Pro-government outlets highlight the Russian army's successes and publish messages from Russian officials. They wrote that Ukraine was violating the Easter truce, deliberately hitting the Russian energy system that transports energy to Europe, and breaking its promises to its partners. They also focus on the topic of "busification.”

Independent media

Hungary also has independent media. They are struggling to survive.

We analyzed one of these media outlets, the hvg. hu portal. Let’s briefly mention what they write about. This media outlet does not avoid criticizing the Hungarian Prime Minister, writing about the opposition, providing a platform for discussions, and publishing a lot of materials about Ukraine.

hvg. hu covers ongoing military operations in Ukraine, diplomatic steps to achieve peace, and expert assessments. This does not mean the media outlet is pro-Ukrainian – it offers objective criticism. At the same time, hvg.hu does not avoid the opportunity to refute some of the fakes produced by Viktor Orban's propaganda machine. We are grateful for the objective and balanced position.

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