Ukraine Warns Citizens to Avoid Traveling to Hungary Ahead of Elections Over Risk of Provocation Allegations

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has urged citizens to avoid traveling to Hungary and refrain from participating as election observers, citing concerns over potential provocations and unpredictable actions by authorities ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections.

“We have previously called on Ukrainians to avoid traveling to Hungary. This recommendation remains in force simply because we do not know what is on the minds of the Hungarian authorities,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said during a briefing on April 8.

Tykhyi pointed to a recent incident involving Ukrainian cash-in-transit personnel as an example of the risks, noting that there are no guarantees similar situations could not occur again under what he described as fabricated pretexts.

He emphasized that the ministry, as a responsible state institution, had openly warned citizens and advised them to avoid visiting Hungary where possible due to the uncertain environment.

The Foreign Ministry has also formally called for refraining from sending observers to Hungary’s parliamentary elections.

“Simply understanding that, unfortunately, official Budapest has made Ukraine a topic of the election campaign, manipulation, and constant provocations, we officially call on [people] not to go and not to send observers,” Tykhyi said.

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The appeal applies to both civil society activists and representatives of international organizations, he added.

Hungary is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections on April 12 to elect members of a new National Assembly. The country has been led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán since 2010.

Earlier, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán told Vladimir Putin he was ready to assist him “in any way” during a previously undisclosed phone call, even offering to help organize talks related to Russia’s war against Ukraine.

“Yesterday our friendship rose to such a high level that I can help in any way. In any matter where I can be of assistance, I am at your service,” Orbán said.

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