Russian intelligence proposed to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to stage an assassination attempt against himself. The goal was to influence the outcome of the parliamentary elections on April 12.
Details
The Washington Post reported this, citing European intelligence sources. According to them, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) proposed a strategy called “the Gamechanger.” Its goal was to “fundamentally alter the entire paradigm of the election campaign” including staging an attempt on Orbán’s life, as outlined in an intelligence report.
Orbán has not faced real attacks, but his popularity has declined due to economic problems in Hungary. The idea of putting his life at risk was meant to signal how high the stakes are for Moscow in Hungary’s elections. Russian intelligence reportedly cited the attempted assassination of Donald Trump in the summer of 2024. Trump later won the election, and Russian officials believe the two events are directly linked.
Russia’s Role in Hungary’s Elections
Ahead of the vote, the opposition Tisza party and its leader Péter Magyar are leading in the polls. Surveys suggest over 50% of voters support the opposition, while only 38% back Orbán’s Fidesz party. Sources in Hungary told The Washington Post they are concerned about Orbán’s campaign. They say panic within his party could lead to risky decisions to stay in power.
Orbán has also intensified claims that Ukraine poses a threat to Hungary. On March 19, Hungary banned three Ukrainian citizens from entering the country. Authorities claimed they had threatened Orbán and his family. However, no official evidence has been provided. Earlier, Orbán said he could deploy troops meant to protect critical infrastructure against a supposed Ukrainian threat. This statement raised concerns in Budapest.
“I’ve never seen Fidesz so nervous,” one anonymous source said.
András Telkes, a former deputy head of Hungary’s foreign intelligence, said Russia is doing everything it can to keep Orbán in power. These efforts include social media campaigns portraying Orbán as the only candidate capable of protecting Hungary’s sovereignty.
Russia’s Response
Russia denied the report. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called it another example of disinformation. The SVR declined to comment.
The Russian embassy told the outlet:
“We have repeatedly stated that Russia does not interfere in elections in other countries. We would like to emphasize once again that interference in the Hungarian election campaign is by no means coming from the Russian side.”
Russia has previously been accused of election interference. The outlet referenced the 2016 U.S. election. Yevgeny Prigozhin, a late ally of Vladimir Putin, admitted he had tried to influence American voters through troll farms.
On March 7, Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza party, accused Orbán of involving Russian intelligence in the elections.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Hungarian authorities blocked the transport of cash intended for Ukraine after Oschadbank decided to handle deliveries independently. Police stopped a Ukrainian crew on the M0 highway shortly after the bank bypassed the long-term intermediary.
