USF commander Brovdi calls on Hungarian citizens to free themselves from Russian yoke

The commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, an ethnic Hungarian, Robert "Magyar" Brovdi, has called on Hungarians to support their country's European course and once again free themselves from the influence of the Russian Federation during a rally in honor of the anniversary of the 1956 revolution, which ended with the invasion of Soviet troops.

"69 years ago, the historical homeland of my father Josip Brovdi boldly said to the red dictatorship "Ruszkik haza" ("Russians, go home!"). The occupier with the "Russian peace" was dragged into Hungary by a contingent, heading with tanks and infantry through the Transcarpathian Mukachevo-Berehove to the border and inland. And blood flowed. People of Hungary! I know that you are gathering together today, and alternative visions to the existing ones will be voiced. Obviously, today the election campaign will begin in Hungary. So let it be without blood!" Brovdi said on Telegram on Thursday.

The USF commander expressed his belief that the pro-Russian policy of the current Prime Minister Viktor Orban contradicts the ideals of the Hungarian revolution of 1956.

Brovdi also quoted the anthem of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848–1849 "Arise, Magyar, to the Call of the Fatherland!", which became a symbol of the national awakening of the Hungarians and the struggle against the Habsburg monarchy.

As reported, on May 8, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky awarded the founder and commander of the 414th Separate Brigade of Strike Unmanned Aerial Systems in the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (better known as the "Birds of the Magyar") Major Robert Brovdi the title of Hero of Ukraine with the award of the Order of the Golden Star.

On August 28, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced that the Hungarian government had banned Brovdi from entering the country due to the attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline. In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Szybiga announced the introduction of an entry ban for three high-ranking Hungarian military officials, stating that "an adequate response will be given to every act of disrespect from Hungary, especially disrespect for our military." In October, the head of the Polish Foreign Ministry, Radosław Sikorski, during a dispute with Szijjártó, wished Brovda ("Magyar") to finish off Druzhba.