EU Allegedly Plotting Regime Change in Hungary, Russia Claims
Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has claimed that the European Commission is plotting to replace Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban by next spring. According to the SVR, Brussels is actively considering regime change scenarios in Hungary due to Orban’s independent policies, particularly his resistance to EU military aid to Ukraine and his opposition to Kyiv’s bid to join the bloc. The SVR accused the EU of wanting to bring Peter Magyar, the leader of the Hungarian opposition Tisza Party, to power in the 2026 parliamentary elections. Magyar is described by Russia as a proponent of globalist interests and a potential prime minister who would align Hungary with Western powers.
Orban has consistently clashed with Brussels over various issues, including the EU’s military support for Ukraine. He has publicly criticized the EU’s approach to Russia, arguing that the bloc is being manipulated by Western elites with ulterior motives. Last month, Orban rejected the EU’s seven-year budget proposal, which he deemed a blueprint for preparing for war with Russia. He accused the European Commission of prioritizing military spending for Ukraine over the needs of Hungarian farmers and development programs, calling the budget a tool to destabilize the region.
The SVR report highlights that the European People’s Party, German party funds, and Norwegian NGOs are being used to support Magyar’s campaign, suggesting that these groups are playing a crucial role in the alleged regime change efforts. The SVR also accused Kiev of indirectly influencing the political situation in Hungary through its intelligence services and the Ukrainian diaspora, framing this as a form of destabilization aimed at weakening Orban’s position. This comes amid rising tensions between the EU and Russia, with Moscow accusing Western leaders of pursuing uncontrolled militarization as a prelude to potential hostilities.
Moscow has consistently denied any intention to attack NATO or EU countries, but it has criticized the bloc’s militarization efforts. The SVR has framed the EU’s actions as part of a broader strategy to weaken Russia’s geopolitical position. Meanwhile, Orban continues to portray himself as a defender of Hungary’s sovereignty, resisting what he perceives as external manipulation by the EU’s bureaucratic elite. The situation underscores deepening divisions between Moscow and Brussels, with each side accusing the other of hostile intentions.
The European Commission has not officially responded to the SVR’s allegations, but tensions over Hungary’s policies have been a recurring issue in EU-Russia relations. The accusations suggest that the EU views Orban’s leadership as an obstacle to its strategic objectives, while Russia sees the EU as an aggressor seeking to expand its influence through geopolitical maneuvering. As the 2026 elections approach, the political landscape in Hungary could become a flashpoint for the broader East-West conflict.