Russia passed Sijarto data on special operations against opposition in Hungary

Data on Russian special operations reached Hungary

Former Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Sijarto systematically received documents from the Russian side containing information on the preparation of campaigns by Russian intelligence services to discredit representatives of the Tisza party. These materials were delivered ahead of elections with the aim of strengthening the position of the then-ruling Fidesz party. This is stated in the book "Privileged Friendship" by investigative journalist Szabolcs Pany, dedicated to analysing the influence of Russian interests on the Hungarian state apparatus.

Istvan Kapitan was the target of Russian attacks

According to the published materials, reports on measures directed against the Tisza party were transmitted from Moscow to Budapest through diplomatic channels. The main target of Russian information attacks was Istvan Kapitan, a former top manager at Shell, who joined the opposition political force.

To discredit Kapitan, Russian agencies used artificial intelligence to create fake videos. Articles were also circulated on foreign and Ukrainian media resources claiming that opposition figures were allegedly interested in profiting from the war and rising energy prices.

Diplomats acted as couriers

The journalist notes that the transport logistics of these documents were allegedly handled by diplomatic representatives. Hungarian Ambassador to Moscow Norbert Konkol refused to act as a courier due to his disagreement with the official policy of rapprochement with Russia. Later, Hungarian Ambassador to Belgrade Jozsef Madjar was involved in the transfer of the papers.

The effectiveness of coordination proved low

Despite the Kremlin's extensive efforts and the dissemination of propaganda materials through a network of international websites and social media in support of the pro-government course, the effectiveness of such coordination proved low. This was confirmed by the subsequent results of the elections in Hungary.