Tensions between Hungary and Ukraine intensified following remarks made by a Ukrainian officer, Yevhen Karas, who threatened military action against Hungary. In a recently surfaced video, Karas, leader of the radical nationalist group C14, stated, “We would arrive in Hungary in two minutes if needed,” prompting diplomatic concern in Budapest.
Karas, a major in the Ukrainian military and decorated by President Volodymyr Zelensky, leads a group known for its extremist actions, including racially motivated violence. The C14 organization has a controversial history, such as its involvement in attacks against Roma communities in 2018, where masked and armed members forcibly evicted families from their homes.
In the roundtable discussion shared by the Hungarian outlet Mandiner, Karas articulated Ukraine’s position, identifying Hungary as a potential adversary. He referred to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as a “little yapping dog,” and implied that Ukraine’s military could swiftly respond to perceived threats from Hungary. While Hungarian officials interpreted these remarks as a direct threat, some sources in Ukraine suggested that Karas’s comments were more of a hypothetical scenario rather than a concrete military plan.
Historical Context of Tensions
The incident involving Karas did not occur in isolation. Relations between Hungary and Ukraine have been strained since early 2025, when Budapest expelled three Ukrainian military officials, accusing them of participating in unlawful conscription. This led to a strong response from Kyiv, which labeled the accusations as “nonsense” and threatened diplomatic and legal repercussions.
The current rhetoric raises concerns about the potential for further deterioration in relations. Observers question whether Ukraine would genuinely consider military action against Hungary and how such extremist rhetoric influences diplomatic ties. The challenge for Kyiv lies in managing far-right elements within its military while maintaining alliances with Western partners.
Implications for European Relations
As tensions rise, questions also emerge regarding Ukraine’s aspirations for European Union membership. Leaders of the European People’s Party, including Ursula von der Leyen, advocate for Ukraine’s integration into the EU. However, the Hungarian government’s stance is that accession cannot be automatic; candidates must fully comply with rule-of-law standards.
János Böka, Hungary’s Minister for European Union Affairs, reaffirmed that Budapest rejects any threats of military action against an EU member state. The current situation poses significant challenges to EU enlargement policy and could ignite debates surrounding Hungary’s position within the EU framework.
The international community is closely monitoring how Brussels and Washington will respond to these developments. If Ukraine fails to distance itself from Karas’s remarks, it risks further diplomatic isolation, particularly among allies questioning their support for Kyiv. Conversely, Hungary may leverage this incident to bolster its narrative that Ukraine is an unreliable partner in regional security matters.
In summary, the provocative statements made by Karas have not only escalated tensions between Hungary and Ukraine but have also introduced complexities into Ukraine’s EU accession ambitions. The unfolding situation requires careful navigation to avoid further conflict and to maintain stability in a region already marked by geopolitical challenges.
