Ukraine’s SBU security service announced on Friday that it had uncovered what it called the first-ever Hungarian-led espionage operation on its soil, detaining two individuals accused of spying for Budapest’s military intelligence.
According to the SBU, the suspects—both former members of the Ukrainian armed forces—were allegedly recruited by a Hungarian handler who provided them with cash and secure communication tools. The pair reportedly gathered classified information on Ukraine’s air defence systems and military infrastructure in the Transcarpathia region, a western border area considered strategically important.
The SBU described the incident as unprecedented, marking the first known case of Hungarian state espionage against Ukraine and raising serious national security concerns.
The Hungarian government has not yet issued a response to the allegations.
Despite Hungary’s membership in both the European Union and NATO, relations between Budapest and Kyiv have remained tense. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has regularly expressed opposition to Western military aid for Ukraine and has maintained ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in contrast to most European leaders who have distanced themselves from Moscow since the start of the 2022 invasion.
Ukrainian authorities say the investigation is ongoing and have pledged to take all necessary steps to safeguard the country’s security.
Edited by Nzubechukwu Eze.
