The Kremlin is preparing to interfere in the elections in Hungary to keep Orban in power - media investigation

The Kremlin plans to interfere in the parliamentary elections in Hungary, which are scheduled for April 2026. The aim of the operation is said to be to maintain the power of the current Prime Minister Viktor Orban. This is stated in an investigation by journalists from vsquare.org.

According to sources in the national security sphere of European countries, the organization of the operation has been entrusted to the first deputy head of the Russian presidential administration Sergey Kirienko. He is considered a key architect of the Kremlin's political influence system and a coordinator of Vladimir Putin's domestic policy.

Elections in Hungary 2026: what is known about possible Russian interference

Journalists note that Sergey Kirienko has already managed similar operations. In particular, he is linked to the interference campaign in Moldova, where the following were used:

• networks of voter bribery
• troll farms on the internet
• field operatives

According to the investigation, a similar scheme may now be applied in Hungary. The head of the Kremlin's strategic partnership and cooperation department, Vadim Titov, is also involved in the operation's preparation.

The Kremlin supports Viktor Orban's campaign

According to sources, Russian specialists in social media manipulation are planned to be placed in the Russian embassy in Budapest. It is expected that they will receive diplomatic or service passports, which may complicate their prosecution by law enforcement agencies.

Journalists also report that a small group of three individuals connected with the Russian military intelligence GRU may already be operating in the Hungarian capital.

«Sources report that a team of three individuals is operating in Budapest, working at the embassy on behalf of the GRU, although it is still unclear whether they have started their activities», it is noted in the material.

In addition, according to sources, Kirienko's working group is in contact with representatives of the election headquarters associated with the government of Viktor Orban.

Information about possible Kremlin interference has been passed on to partners. According to journalists, several organizations of the European Union and NATO are already aware of the situation and are monitoring developments.

Recall that on March 5, the Hungarian Tax and Customs Administration detained seven citizens of Ukraine, among whom is a former general of the Ukrainian special service.