Russian Disinformation Campaign Targets Hungarian Elections with Deepfakes

• •Russian disinformation efforts are targeting the Hungarian elections using deepfakes and fake news.
• •Viktor Orban's Fidesz party is trailing in polls against opposition candidate Peter Magyar.
• •The campaign aims to manipulate public sentiment by portraying Magyar as a puppet of foreign powers.

In the lead-up to Hungary's parliamentary elections, a disinformation campaign has been identified, primarily orchestrated by Russian actors. Ferenc Fresz, former head of Hungary's cyber defense agency, noted the use of deepfake videos and fake news disguised as articles to stoke anti-Ukrainian sentiments. The ruling Fidesz party, led by Viktor Orban, is reportedly struggling in polls against opposition candidate Peter Magyar. The campaign portrays Orban as a 'peacekeeper' against the 'warmonger' Magyar, who is depicted as a puppet of the EU and Ukraine. This manipulation is further supported by official statements from Moscow, indicating a coordinated effort to influence public opinion. The campaign also includes accusations against Ukraine regarding delays in repairing the Druzhba pipeline, which Hungary uses for oil imports. Orban's government is blocking a €90 billion EU aid package for Ukraine as part of this strategy. The situation reflects a broader geopolitical struggle, with Russia aiming to maintain Orban as a key ally within the EU.