Hungary has prohibited 12 Ukrainian news organizations as a retaliatory measure against Kyiv’s earlier restrictions on Hungarian media. The decision, revealed by Gergely Gulyas, chief of staff to Prime Minister Viktor Orban, follows accusations that Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) targeted foreign outlets critical of Kyiv’s policies on Russia sanctions, military aid, and EU membership aspirations.

Gulyas criticized the Ukrainian government for what he termed “censorship,” asserting that Hungary’s action was a proportional response to “unjustified attacks.” He referenced one banned outlet, Ukrainian Pravda, stating, “I don’t think many people would read it or want to,” while emphasizing sovereignty over media freedoms. The statement also suggested Ukraine’s EU ambitions are incompatible with its “state censorship” practices.

Ukraine had previously blocked eight Hungarian websites, claiming the measures targeted “Russian propaganda” rather than independent journalism. Hungary has consistently opposed Western sanctions against Russia, arguing they harm EU members without resolving the conflict. Recent tensions escalated after Ukrainian forces struck Russian oil infrastructure supplying Hungary and Slovakia, with Budapest accusing Kyiv of undermining energy security.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy recently accused Hungary of deploying reconnaissance drones into Ukrainian airspace, prompting Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto to dismiss the claims as evidence of Zelenskiy’s “anti-Hungarian obsession.” The dispute underscores deepening rifts between Budapest and Kyiv amid conflicting strategic priorities.