Hungary blocked 12 Ukrainian media outlets: a sharp response from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Georgiy Tikhiy expressed his opinion on the decision of the Hungarian authorities to ban 12 Ukrainian media outlets on their territory. 'The difference is that Ukraine blocks Russian propaganda, while Orbán's government blocks access for Hungarians to fact-based journalism. But for them - the further from the truth, the better,' he commented on social media.

Conflict with the media

“The difference is that Ukraine blocks Russian propaganda, while Orbán's government blocks access for Hungarians to fact-based journalism. But for them - the further from the truth, the better,” he wrote.

Hungary banned Ukrainian media after Ukraine blocked two Hungarian publications that criticized Ukrainian policy on sanctions against Russia, military assistance to Ukraine, and the portrayal of the European Union and NATO as ineffective organizations.

Reason for the conflict

The Ukrainian side blocked the Hungarian media Origo and Demokrata due to their criticism of Ukrainian policy. Hungary imposed 'mirror measures' against some Ukrainian news portals, which became inaccessible to residents of the country from September 29. Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter Szijjártó believes that Ukraine is responsible for the deterioration of relations.

Hungary demands the return of all rights of Hungarians in Transcarpathia that they had before 2015. This conflict between Hungary and Ukraine continues, and both sides are engaged in tough negotiations to find a compromise.