Imagine sitting down for a heartfelt conversation with Fedir Shandor, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Hungary. He’s a diplomat, yes, but he’s also a deeply insightful observer of human nature, especially when it comes to the intricate dance of international relations. He’s just come from reflecting on Hungary’s recent parliamentary elections, and he’s sharing some truly profound thoughts on how Ukraine can navigate the often-turbulent waters of public opinion, particularly concerning those millions of Hungarian voters who still support the Fidesz party.
“It’s easy to get caught up in the headlines, isn’t it?” he might begin, his gaze thoughtful. “You see the political shifts, the new parties gaining ground, and you think, ‘Ah, the tide is turning.’ And certainly, over three million Hungarians voted for the ‘Tisza’ party – that’s a massive shift, a clear sign that people are looking for something different. But,” and here he’d lean forward slightly, emphasizing his next point, “we absolutely cannot forget the 2.2 million who still cast their ballots for Fidesz, and another 300,000 for the ultra-nationalists of Mi Hazánk. That’s a total of 2.5 million people. They haven’t just vanished into thin air. These are our neighbors, after all. And for some reason, they’ve been receptive to certain narratives – narratives that, let’s be honest, often echo Russian disinformation. They’ve seen things on Facebook, which is huge in Hungary, and those messages resonated with them. So, the question isn’t how do we ignore them, but how do we reach them?”
He’d then delve into the heart of his strategy, which is less about grand political statements and more about the small, human connections that truly change hearts and minds. “The amazing thing is,” he’d continue, a slight smile playing on his lips, “that even though there’s been some tough rhetoric, we’re seeing real changes at the highest levels of communication between our governments. Things are moving quickly. But for me, the real strength lies in the personal connections, the grassroots efforts. Think about it: Hungary has hosted over 5,400 Ukrainian children for vacations, mostly from military families. That’s not just a number; it’s thousands of genuine interactions, thousands of Hungarian families opening their homes and hearts. And we have so many sister cities between Ukraine and Hungary – more than any other country, in fact! Imagine a Hungarian mayor, who’s been friends with a Ukrainian mayor for years. Do you really think he’s going to fall for Russian disinformation? He knows his Ukrainian counterpart, he has a relationship built on trust and shared experience. That’s an unbreakable bond.”
His passion would grow as he elaborated on this idea. “It’s about human connection, pure and simple. When Ukrainian and Hungarian children play sports together, share stories at cultural events, or just spend time laughing at summer camps, that’s real communication. It’s impossible for someone to impose their views on you when you’ve built those kinds of bridges. Disinformation thrives in a vacuum. It flourishes when people only get their information from a screen, when they’re isolated and not interacting with real people, hearing real stories. Someone who watches only TV and doesn’t engage with their community is easy to manipulate. But when you have those personal ties, those shared experiences, disinformation simply can’t take root.”
He’d lean back then, a thoughtful expression on his face. “The recent elections actually confirmed this for us. We saw that even mayors from Fidesz circles, who maintained strong communication with their Ukrainian counterparts, were at the very least neutral, if not actively supportive, of Ukraine. Their personal relationships trumped any party line or external pressure. It’s a powerful lesson, isn’t it? It shows us that the most effective way to combat disinformation isn’t with more propaganda, but with genuine human connection, with an individual approach that respects each person’s background and opens a door for understanding.”
“And, surprisingly,” he’d add, a twinkle in his eye, “the very reason Orbán’s party saw a dip in support was because voters grew weary of the narrative that Ukraine is to blame for every single Hungarian problem – be it utilities, healthcare, or roads. People are smart; they eventually see through that kind of blame game. They want real solutions, not scapegoats. So, our task is clear: we need to continue building these bridges, fostering these personal relationships. Because ultimately, it’s the personal touch, the human connection, that is the most powerful defense against manipulation and disinformation. It’s how we protect our neighbors, and ourselves, from the corrosive influence of those who seek to divide us.” He’d conclude with a quiet conviction, leaving you with a profound sense of the vital importance of empathy and human connection in a world too often dominated by abstract political rhetoric.