CPD announced on Friday Fr identifying the Russian operation, aimed at discrediting Ukraine before the elections in Hungary. The center described a fake video circulating online, allegedly showing Ukrainian soldiers discussing preparations for organizing riots in Budapest modeled on the Maidan.
“The recording shows clear traces of staging. Although the people in it speak Ukrainian, their behavior and context seem unnatural and artificial,” the CPD noted.
“It is also worth noting that the first publications appeared on accounts systematically spreading anti-Ukrainian narratives linked to Russian propaganda. At the same time, increased activity of pro-Russian blogger networks was observed, promoting claims about alleged Ukrainian interference in the elections in Hungary,” it added.
According to CPD, the distribution of the video is part of an operation in which “Former members of the Berkut unit were probably brought to Budapestwho fled to Russia after 2014 (when it was dissolved – PAP). “Their probable role is participating in staged provocations or fabricating “evidence” for further accusations against Ukraine“, noted the Ukrainian Center.
Also, Hungarian investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi, citing source in the security services, warned on Saturday against planned provocations in Budapest. “A security source warned against Russian false flag provocation plans, allegedly carried out by 'Ukrainian refugees' who will engage in 'Maidan-style' acts of violence in Budapest at Ferenciek Square and Kossuth Square (in front of the parliament – PAP), where the pro-Kremlin far-left will observe the elections,” Panyi wrote on the X platform.
Russian bots involved in the campaign in Hungary
In the last weeks before the elections, Hungarian investigative journalists reported on the involvement of Russian bots working for Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party in the campaign. The Washington Post reported on the idea of arranging an assassination attempt on the prime minister, suggested to Budapest by the Russians. This provocation – according to the American newspaper – would increase his chance of re-election.
Parliamentary elections in Hungary will be held on Sunday.
In the last weeks before the vote, most independent polls showed support for the opposition Tisha at between 49 and 58 percent. among decisive voters, with support for Fidesz ranging between 35 and 38 percent. Opinion polls also showed growing support for the opposition while the popularity of the ruling party was declining.
Polls from centers linked to the government show Fidesz's advantage, amounting to several percentage points.
