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War in Ukraine

Hungary Calls In Russian Envoy Over Zakarpattia Drone Attack in First Since War Began

2 min read
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Photo of Vlad Litnarovych
News Writer
Aftermath of a Russian drone strike on the Zakarpattia region, May 13, 2026. (Source: Zakarpattia region military administration)
Aftermath of a Russian drone strike on the Zakarpattia region, May 13, 2026. (Source: Zakarpattia region military administration)

Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned Russia’s ambassador after a Russian drone attack targeted Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region near the Hungarian border, marking the first such diplomatic move by Budapest since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, according to hvg on May 13.

The Russian diplomat is expected to appear at Hungary’s Foreign Ministry on May 14 to provide explanations regarding the attack on the western Ukrainian region.

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Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar also condemned the strike, stating that the government “firmly condemns” the attack.

The move is widely seen as a significant shift in Hungary’s diplomatic posture toward Moscow. Under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Budapest frequently maintained closer ties with the Kremlin than many other European Union and NATO members, often resisting tougher measures against Russia.

According to the report, Hungary’s foreign policy began changing after Orbán resigned on May 9 following 16 years in power. Executive authority was subsequently taken over by the Tisza Party led by Péter Magyar.

Zakarpattia, located in western Ukraine along the borders of Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Poland, has generally remained far from the front lines throughout the war, making attacks on the region especially sensitive for neighboring countries.

Earlier, Hungary expelled a Russian diplomat identified by Hungarian authorities as an undercover SVR officer who allegedly spent years cultivating contacts in think tanks tied to Viktor Orbán’s government.

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