Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has uncovered an alleged Hungarian espionage network operating in the western region of Zakarpattia Oblast, escalating tensions between Kyiv and Budapest and raising concerns about potential Russian involvement.
On May 9, the SBU announced the detention of two individuals suspected of spying for Hungary. One of the detainees is a 40-year-old former Ukrainian military officer who was reportedly recruited by Hungarian intelligence in 2021 and activated in September 2024. Their tasks included gathering information on the deployment of Ukrainian Armed Forces, coordinates of S-300 air defense systems, identification of official military vehicles, and assessing local attitudes toward the potential deployment of a Hungarian “peacekeeping contingent.”
Zakarpattia Oblast, home to a significant ethnic Hungarian minority estimated at 70,000-80,000 in 2024, has long been a point of contention between Ukraine and Hungary. Kyiv accuses Budapest of undermining Ukrainian sovereignty through political interference and the issuance of Hungarian passports to ethnic Hungarians in the region. Conversely, Hungary claims that Ukraine discriminates against its Hungarian minority, particularly concerning language laws mandating that at least 70% of education above the fifth grade be conducted in Ukrainian.
The espionage scandal has further strained relations between the two countries. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán accused Ukraine of collaborating with his political opposition to discredit him ahead of a planned referendum on Kyiv’s EU membership. In retaliation for the SBU’s announcement, Hungary expelled two Ukrainian diplomats, a move reciprocated by Kyiv.
Analysts suggest that the intelligence gathered by the alleged spies would be highly valuable to Russia, given Hungary’s close ties with Moscow. The situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region and the challenges facing Ukraine as it navigates relationships with neighboring countries amid ongoing conflict.
Source: The Kyiv Independent
