KYIV — A quiet tension has erupted between Ukraine and Hungary after Ukraine’s top security agency, the SBU, announced the arrest of two men accused of spying for Hungary, reported by “The Frontier Post”. The suspects, both former Ukrainian soldiers, were detained in the western region of Zakarpattia and now face treason charges — a crime that could lead to life in prison.
According to the SBU, the men had been gathering secret military intelligence and feeding it to Hungarian authorities. This marks the first time Ukraine has publicly uncovered a Hungarian espionage operation within its borders.
The alleged spy network was active in Zakarpattia, a region rich in history and controversy. It borders Hungary and is home to a large ethnic Hungarian population. The area was once part of Hungary before World War I, and the two nations have frequently clashed over the rights of Hungarian minorities living there.
The SBU claims the spy ring was directed by a professional officer from Hungary’s military intelligence, who provided money, secure communication tools, and tried to recruit others into the network.
Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, did not confirm or deny the accusations. Instead, he cautioned against what he called “Ukrainian propaganda.” Speaking at a press conference, he said, “If we get any real details or official documents, then we’ll respond accordingly.”
Hungary, a member of NATO and the EU, has often stood apart from its allies by refusing to send weapons to Ukraine or support key EU decisions backing Kyiv. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has remained friendlier with Russian President Vladimir Putin than most EU leaders, though he has acknowledged Russia started the war.
As the dust settles, this spy drama may add more frost to already cold relations between Budapest and Kyiv.
