Hungarian opposition politician Tompos Marton has called on citizens to donate funds to support the Ukrainian drone unit “Birds of Magyar,” led by ethnic Hungarian commander Robert “Magyar” Brovdi. Marton criticized Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto’s recent decision to ban Brovdi from entering Hungary and the Schengen zone, describing the move as politically motivated and aligned with Moscow’s interests.
Criticism of Orbán’s government and energy policy
Marton, co-founder of the opposition Momentum party, said the real threat to Hungary’s energy security comes not from Ukraine but from Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government, which has maintained dependence on Russian oil for over 15 years. He described Brovdi as a hero and denounced Szijjarto as a “Russian servant” who had no right to speak against him. In his Facebook post, Marton argued that Hungary’s alignment with Russia endangers the country far more than Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.
Symbolic donation and broader call for support
To underscore his support, Marton transferred €414 — a symbolic reference to the 414th brigade once commanded by Brovdi — to the unit’s PayPal account. He urged Hungarians to contribute as well, stressing that the initiative is not only about financial support but also a signal that Hungarian society stands in solidarity with Ukraine. Marton emphasized that Brovdi, who now leads all drone formations of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, embodies both Ukrainian resistance and values that differ from the current government’s course.
Reaction to Hungary’s travel ban on Brovdi
On August 28, Szijjarto announced that Hungary had imposed an entry ban on Brovdi, accusing him of ordering drone strikes on Russia’s Druzhba oil pipeline — an attack the minister claimed violated Hungary’s sovereignty and national interests. Orbán’s adviser later confirmed that the measure targeted the ethnic Hungarian commander. Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha condemned the timing of Szijjarto’s statement, noting it came as rescue workers in Kyiv were pulling children’s bodies from the rubble of a Russian strike. He accused Budapest of moral decline by prioritizing a Russian pipeline over human lives.
International backlash and Brovdi’s response
Brovdi himself accused Hungary of “dancing on graves” and profiting from “bloody money,” vowing to visit his father’s homeland once there is a change of leadership in Budapest. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski also criticized Hungary’s move, saying the government had shut its doors to “a brave ethnic Hungarian who dared to fight for Ukraine’s freedom.” Marton concluded his appeal with the message: “Long live free Ukraine, long live free Hungary.”
