The Russian Whisperers
Orbán, Hungary, and the War in Ukraine
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
Hungary’s attitude towards Russia and its war of aggression against Ukraine continues to irritate. Viktor Orbán and his voters were once staunch anti-communists and critics of Russia, and not just because of Hungary’s experience in 1956. Today, they show understanding for Russia. Almost half of voters for Orbán’s party Fidesz are convinced that Russia is acting “in self-defence”. Leading Fidesz politicians and ideologues believe that military support for Ukraine is wrong. Speculation is rife in this milieu that Ukraine’s defeat could lead to its dissolution and the annexation of Carpatho-Ukraine by Hungary. There is no evidence for this.
(Osteuropa 11-12/2024, pp. 71–80)