In a recent development, Ukraine announced the expulsion of two Hungarian diplomats following allegations of espionage. This move was a reaction to Ukraine’s main security agency, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), revealing that two individuals were apprehended on charges of spying for Hungary, specifically collecting intelligence on Ukraine’s military activities in the country’s western region.
The allegations have sparked outrage in Hungary. In retaliation, Hungary’s Foreign Ministry expelled two Ukrainian diplomats, accusing Ukraine of similar espionage activities. The SBU disclosed that the detained individuals, former members of the Ukrainian military, were part of a suspected spy network. They now face treason charges, which are punishable by life imprisonment. Following this, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed the expulsion of the Hungarian diplomats.
According to statements from Ukraine, this incident marks the first known case of Hungarian espionage against Ukraine. The alleged spy activities were concentrated in Zakarpattia, a region that shares a border with Hungary and has a substantial Hungarian ethnic community. This area has historically been a point of contention between Budapest and Kyiv, especially concerning the rights of ethnic Hungarians.
Minister Sybiha elaborated that the suspected spy network’s mission was to gather intelligence on the region’s military security, identify weaknesses in its ground and air defenses, and gauge local residents’ political views, particularly in hypothetical scenarios involving Hungarian military entry.
In response to these allegations, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó did not outright deny the existence of a Hungarian espionage cell in Ukraine. However, he dismissed the accusations as “anti-Hungarian propaganda” initiated by Kyiv, attributing this to Hungary’s stance in refraining from supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Szijjártó asserted that Hungary will not tolerate such defamatory claims and confirmed the expulsion of two Ukrainians employed under diplomatic pretenses at its Budapest embassy.
Hungary, a NATO and European Union member, has taken a notably antagonistic stance towards Ukraine since the commencement of Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. Hungary has refused to provide Ukraine with weapons or permit the transit of such materials through its territory. Additionally, the Hungarian government, under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has challenged EU financial support for Ukraine, opposed sanctions on Russia, and resisted Ukraine’s aspirations for EU membership.
Despite this contentious relationship, Orbán is recognized for his relatively amicable relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin compared to other EU leaders, although he has acknowledged Russia’s role in instigating the conflict. The SBU further noted that the suspected spies were under the direction of a Hungarian military intelligence officer, whose identity has been determined. This officer, the SBU claimed, equipped the network with funds and specialized communication devices, and attempted to recruit more individuals into the espionage operation.
The Hungarian Defense Ministry and Military National Security Service have not yet released statements concerning these claims.