The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced on March 18 that it has uncovered a significant Russian disinformation operation aimed at the Hungarian community in Transcarpathia. This operation reportedly involves the use of technology to disguise phone numbers through IP telephony.
According to the SBU, the perpetrators have been making threatening anonymous calls to members of the Hungarian national community, falsely presenting themselves as participants in ‘national-patriotic formations’ or even as law enforcement officials. During these calls, they demanded that community members leave Ukraine and issued threats of physical harm.
The agency’s investigation revealed that these calls originated from within the Russian Federation. In light of this, the SBU is actively working to counteract Russian efforts and has urged the public to remain vigilant against such provocations. They advised anyone receiving threats or suspicious messages to promptly report them to law enforcement authorities.
As of now, Moscow has not responded to the SBU’s allegations. The reported incidents occur amid heightened tensions between Ukraine and Hungary, particularly following the disruption of Russian oil transport through the Druzhba pipeline, which was damaged by Russian strikes in January.
Additionally, Hungary is approaching parliamentary elections, with many residents of Transcarpathia who hold Hungarian citizenship set to vote on April 12.
The SBU has revealed a Russian disinformation campaign targeting the Hungarian community in Ukraine, involving threatening phone calls. This incident occurs amid rising tensions between Ukraine and Hungary, particularly related to energy transport issues.