Hungary’s National Security Service (NSS) has identified several more Ukrainian nationals allegedly engaged in espionage activities within Hungarian territory, according to an official announcement released on May 21, 2025. The development has raised concerns over foreign intelligence operations in the region and is likely to further strain already tense Hungary–Ukraine relations.
The NSS report states that the individuals were gathering sensitive political, economic, and military information, some of which was believed to be relayed to Ukrainian intelligence services. The discovery follows a broader counterintelligence operation that began earlier this year.
“Our intelligence community remains vigilant against any foreign effort to compromise Hungary’s sovereignty,” the NSS said in its statement.
Espionage Network Under Surveillance
The Hungarian authorities claim the spies operated under the guise of NGO workers, academic researchers, and diplomatic aides, allowing them access to restricted data and government circles. Some of them reportedly attempted to infiltrate Hungarian state institutions and defense-related agencies.
The NSS did not release the names or exact number of individuals involved but emphasized that surveillance and arrests were ongoing. The agency also confirmed it is cooperating with international partners to track broader foreign espionage threats in Central Europe.
🇭🇺 Hungary–Ukraine Relations Under Strain
This revelation is likely to exacerbate tensions between Budapest and Kyiv. Hungary has been one of the most skeptical EU and NATO members regarding unconditional support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has consistently criticized EU sanctions on Russia and refused to send weapons to Ukraine, citing Hungary’s national interests and ethnic Hungarian communities living in western Ukraine. Kyiv, in turn, has accused Hungary of undermining European solidarity.
“This is not just a diplomatic rift — it’s a matter of trust and regional security,” said Dr. András Kiss, a foreign policy analyst at the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs.
National Security First, Says Government
Hungarian officials emphasized that this counterintelligence action is not politically motivated but reflects standard security procedures. The government has vowed to strengthen its internal surveillance measures, particularly around embassies and international NGOs operating in Budapest.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has summoned Ukraine’s chargé d’affaires for an explanation, although no formal diplomatic expulsions have yet been announced.
“All foreign missions must operate with transparency and respect for our laws,” a ministry spokesperson said.
Regional Implications
The case underscores growing geopolitical suspicion in Central and Eastern Europe, where intelligence operations — including those by Russia, Ukraine, China, and Western agencies — have escalated since the start of the Russia–Ukraine war in 2022.
Several countries, including Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, have reported similar espionage incidents involving diplomats and dual nationals over the past year.
What’s Next?
- The NSS will continue its investigations and may release further updates.
- Hungary is reviewing diplomatic access protocols and visa policies for foreign nationals.
- The incident is expected to surface during upcoming EU foreign ministers’ discussions on intelligence-sharing and hybrid threats.
While Hungary has sought to maintain a neutral stance in the broader Russia–Ukraine conflict, this latest revelation underscores that Budapest remains firmly protective of its national security, even if it comes at the cost of diplomatic tension.
Source; About Hungary
