Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has detained two alleged Hungarian spies accused of gathering sensitive military intelligence.
According to the SBU, the suspects were operating in Zakarpattia, a western Ukrainian region bordering Hungary.
This marks the first time Ukraine has identified a Hungarian spy network working against its national interests, officials stated Friday, May 9, 2025.
The suspected spies, a man and woman, are reportedly former members of the Ukrainian military.
The SBU claims they were recruited and managed by Hungary’s military intelligence services.
The male suspect allegedly crossed into Hungary to meet his controller, receiving payments and encrypted communication tools.
The espionage targets included Ukrainian air defence systems, troop locations, law enforcement assets, and regional public sentiment.
Authorities believe the intelligence gathered aimed to forecast local reactions to any potential Hungarian incursion.
Searches at the suspects’ homes led to the seizure of phones and other materials confirming espionage activities.
Both detainees are charged with treason and face potential life imprisonment if convicted.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó dismissed the allegations as possible propaganda, pending formal evidence from Kyiv.
He later announced the expulsion of two Ukrainian diplomats from Budapest in response.
Hungary, an EU and NATO member, has strained ties with Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
President Viktor Orbán has consistently opposed EU aid to Ukraine and resisted sanctions on Russian energy exports.
He has also expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s bid for European Union membership.
The SBU gave no indication the alleged spying was coordinated with Russia.
However, analysts warn such intelligence could ultimately benefit Moscow amid the ongoing conflict.
Former UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said this is not Ukraine’s first accusation of Hungarian subversion.
But he warned the military nature of the targets made this case significantly more serious.
Wallace questioned who the real end-recipient of the collected intelligence might be.
“What Putin fears most is NATO’s values,” Wallace said in an interview with BBC Radio 4.
He urged NATO to address actions by member states that could undermine alliance unity and security.
The arrests coincided with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s appearance at Moscow’s Victory Parade.
The visit further highlights divisions within NATO amid efforts to present a unified front against Russia.
Approximately 150,000 ethnic Hungarians live in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region, according to the 2001 census.
Tensions have simmered for years over Hungarian language rights and dual citizenship policies promoted by Budapest.
Wallace noted that Ukraine previously expelled diplomats over Hungary’s unauthorized distribution of passports to ethnic Hungarians.
This new spy case is unlikely to affect front-line battles but poses significant intelligence and diplomatic concerns.
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