Following a recent attack involving multiple Russian drones in the Transcarpathia region, Hungary's Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, took decisive action by summoning the Russian ambassador to express serious concerns over the escalating threat posed by drone warfare in areas populated by ethnic Hungarians. The incident occurred on May 13, 2026, when Ukrainian authorities reported significant drone operations that targeted infrastructure, leading to injuries among civilians, including children.

Szijjártó condemned the attack in strong terms during the meeting, underscoring the potential risks that such military actions pose not only to the local Hungarian minority—approximately 70,000 residents in Transcarpathia—but also to regional stability. He emphasized that unnecessary military escalations in neighboring Ukraine can create wider tensions that affect Hungary directly.

Earlier, reports indicated that Russian forces launched over 800 drones in a coordinated strike across Ukraine, with Transcarpathia being one of the regions affected by the violence. The attack specifically targeted key infrastructure, which resulted in power outages in several villages, disrupting daily life and raising alarms over the safety of local communities.

The Hungarian government has been increasingly vocal regarding incidents that pose risks to its citizens abroad, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Szijjártó reiterated that Hungary would continue to monitor the situation closely and coordinate with international partners to ensure the safety of its citizens.

This latest diplomatic move is part of a broader trend in Hungary's relations with Russia, marked by a careful balancing act as the nation navigates its policies amidst the war in Ukraine. While maintaining diplomatic channels, Hungary's government has been critical of Russian actions that threaten Hungarian nationals and interests in the region.

As tensions mount, Hungary is likely to push for greater accountability from Russia regarding its military actions, advocating for a peaceful resolution while protecting its nationals living in impacted areas. The incident has sparked discussions on the need for enhanced security measures and closer cooperation between Hungary and Ukraine to safeguard the well-being of the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia.