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Pro-Russian Bot Network Spreads False Assassination Plot Against Hungary’s Orbán
A sophisticated network of pro-Russian bots has been circulating fabricated claims about a plot to assassinate Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, according to a recent Politico report. The disinformation campaign began in mid-March, notably ahead of Hungary’s parliamentary elections scheduled for April 12.
Investigators identified a doctored video distributed on social media platform X, falsely attributed to a Moldovan media outlet. The video contains inflammatory content suggesting Hungarians should take up arms against authorities and assassinate Orbán. The Antibot4Navalny activist group, which tracks Russian disinformation operations, identified this as part of a targeted Kremlin-linked campaign specifically designed to influence the upcoming Hungarian elections.
What makes this campaign particularly unusual is its timing. The video surfaced just days before the Washington Post reported that Russian intelligence had allegedly considered staging a mock attack on Orbán to boost his electoral chances. Disinformation researchers noted this represents a significant departure from the typical operating procedures of the Russian botnet known as “Matryoshka,” which historically reacts to news events rather than preemptively creating narratives.
“Under normal circumstances, the botnet simply reacts to what is already known to the public,” Antibot4Navalny told Politico, explaining that the network typically takes approximately 24 hours to determine how to leverage news events to their advantage. The group suggested two possible explanations: either the botnet is taking a more proactive approach in creating narratives, or it is working in closer coordination with Russian intelligence services.
The Hungarian election carries significant geopolitical importance, both for Moscow and Brussels. The outcome will determine Russia’s continued political influence in Hungary, where Orbán has maintained notably warm relations with the Kremlin. The incumbent prime minister has consistently blocked European Union initiatives designed to support Ukraine and isolate Russia following the invasion.
Moscow has officially dismissed the Washington Post’s report as Western disinformation. However, Kremlin-affiliated botnets have previously been implicated in election interference across multiple countries, including the United States, Germany, Poland, Moldova, and Armenia.
What distinguishes this particular disinformation campaign, according to Antibot4Navalny, is that it marks the first instance where a Russian operation has explicitly promoted narratives of a deadly attack on a candidate or military coup. In contrast to previous operations, this campaign heavily emphasizes portraying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukraine as direct threats to Orbán, rather than employing a broader range of narratives targeting various candidates.
“The real goal this time is not the elections as such, but something else,” Antibot4Navalny suggested, implying potentially deeper strategic objectives beyond mere electoral influence.
Hungarian-Russian diplomatic ties have come under scrutiny following Washington Post allegations that Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó used meeting breaks to brief Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov about confidential discussions. In response, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused “Hungary’s enemies” of spreading unfounded claims.
Meanwhile, Russian officials and pro-Kremlin commentators have reversed the accusation, claiming that Ukraine and European powers are attempting to orchestrate regime change in Budapest. Vladimir Kornilov, a prominent pro-Kremlin voice, wrote on Telegram that Ukraine was preparing for a “new Maidan in Budapest,” referencing the 2014 Ukrainian protests that ultimately ousted pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych.
Since initiating this disinformation campaign, the Matryoshka botnet has intensified its operations, publishing up to ten Hungary-related videos daily across social media platforms, demonstrating a concerted effort to shape public perception ahead of the critical vote.
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8 Comments
This is a concerning development, but I’m glad to see that disinformation researchers are actively tracking and exposing these Kremlin-linked operations. Transparency and public awareness are key to combating such tactics.
The timing of this disinformation campaign is quite suspicious, coming just before the elections. I hope the Hungarian people can see through these blatant attempts to influence their democratic process.
I’m curious to know more about the specific tactics being used in this disinformation campaign. What other false narratives or manipulated content might the pro-Russian bots be spreading, and how can they be effectively debunked?
It’s worrying to see Russia apparently spreading disinformation ahead of the Hungarian elections. Maintaining the integrity of democratic processes is crucial, and I hope the authorities can effectively counter these malicious efforts.
This seems like a classic Kremlin tactic – sow discord and mistrust to undermine confidence in the electoral system. I wonder what other tactics they might be employing beyond this fabricated assassination plot.
Yes, Russia has a long history of trying to interfere in elections across Europe. It’s important that Hungary and its allies remain vigilant and expose these attempts at manipulation.
It’s disturbing to see Russia resorting to such underhanded tactics to try to sway the outcome of the Hungarian elections. I hope the authorities can effectively counter this propaganda and protect the integrity of the vote.
Absolutely. Democratic institutions must remain vigilant and resilient in the face of these coordinated disinformation campaigns. The public deserves accurate information to make informed choices.