Kyiv, Ukraine – In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has announced the arrest of two alleged Hungarian spies accused of conducting military espionage in the western Zakarpattia region, which borders Hungary.
The SBU stated, “For the first time in Ukraine’s history, the Security Service has exposed a Hungarian military intelligence network that was conducting espionage activities to the detriment of our state.” The accused individuals—a man and a woman—are both former members of the Ukrainian military and allegedly acted under the supervision of a Hungarian intelligence officer.
Details of the Alleged Spy Operation
According to Ukrainian authorities, the espionage operation sought sensitive information on air defence systems, law enforcement officers, and vehicle deployments in Zakarpattia. The accused also reportedly gathered data on local public sentiment to assess the region’s response in the event of a Hungarian incursion. Devices and funds allegedly provided by Hungarian intelligence were confiscated during the arrest.
One suspect is believed to have crossed into Hungary to receive a communication device and payment directly from their controller. The Ukrainian news agency Interfax reported that phones and other intelligence-gathering tools were seized during raids on the suspects’ homes.
Hungary Responds with Diplomatic Retaliation
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto responded cautiously, stating on ATV television that the allegations should be treated as “propaganda” until officially verified. He criticized what he described as persistent “anti-Hungarian propaganda” in Ukraine and did not directly deny the charges. However, Hungary has since expelled two Ukrainian diplomats from Budapest.
Wider NATO Implications and Orban’s Russia Ties
Hungary, a NATO and EU member since 1999 and 2004 respectively, has frequently clashed with Western allies over its pro-Russian stance under Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Orban has attempted to block EU aid to Kyiv, resisted sanctions on Russian energy, and opposed Ukraine’s bid to join the EU.
Former UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace noted that while Hungary has been previously accused of subversive activities in Ukraine, the sensitive nature of this alleged intelligence—military deployments and public opinion—makes the situation “far more serious.”
“What Putin fears most is NATO’s values,” Wallace told the BBC. “And if those values are threatened or undermined, then there needs to be some serious discussion within NATO about members that behave that way.”
Context and Regional Tensions
Zakarpattia is home to around 150,000 ethnic Hungarians, and disputes over language rights and cultural identity have long strained Ukraine-Hungary relations. Past incidents, including the alleged distribution of Hungarian passports in the region, have led to diplomatic expulsions and mutual suspicion.
This development also coincides with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s visit to Moscow for Vladimir Putin’s Victory Day parade, further highlighting fractures within NATO over the alliance’s approach to Russia.
Conclusion
While this alleged spy network may not directly impact Ukraine’s eastern warfront, it raises critical questions about internal NATO cohesion, Hungary’s role in the alliance, and the long-term implications for regional security in Eastern Europe.
As the conflict in Ukraine persists, episodes like this risk deepening rifts among NATO allies and giving Moscow new avenues for exploiting internal discord.
For ongoing coverage of NATO and Ukraine-Russia tensions, visit our Russia-Ukraine War Coverage page.