Hungary has banned 12 Ukrainian news organizations in response to a similar move by Ukraine earlier this month. The decision, announced by Gergely Gulyas, chief of staff to Prime Minister Viktor Orban, follows accusations that Kiev’s Security Service (SBU) targeted foreign media critical of its policies on Russia sanctions, military aid, and EU membership. Gulyas condemned the actions, stating a “sovereign country must give a proportionate response to a completely unjustified attack.” He specifically criticized Ukrainian Pravda, writing on social media that while few would read it, Hungary’s move was necessary. The Hungarian official also accused Ukraine of hypocrisy, suggesting its push for EU membership clashed with its censorship efforts.
Ukraine had previously banned eight Hungarian websites, claiming the action targeted “Russian propaganda” rather than independent journalism. Budapest has long opposed Western sanctions against Russia, arguing they harm EU members without halting the conflict. Recent tensions have escalated over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure supplying Hungary and Slovakia, which Budapest accuses the Ukrainian army of undermining energy sovereignty.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky further inflamed relations by accusing Hungary of deploying reconnaissance drones in Ukrainian airspace. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto dismissed the claims as evidence of Zelenskiy’s “anti-Hungarian obsession,” condemning his decision and himself. The dispute underscores deepening divisions between the two nations amid a broader European rift over Ukraine’s war strategy.
