Hungary rejects Ukraine's spy claims, tensions escalate
The Hungarian Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, asserted that the information from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) concerning the dismantling of a Hungarian spy network in Ukraine is part of propaganda efforts from Kyiv. However, he did not explicitly deny that Viktor Orban's government is involved in espionage activities in Ukraine.
On Friday morning, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced that "for the first time in Ukraine's history" it had uncovered a Hungarian military intelligence spy network operating to the detriment of Kyiv.
Ukrainians unveil Hungarian spy network
According to the SBU, the mission of this cell was to collect information on the location of the army in the Zakarpattia region bordering Hungary, identify weak points in defence systems, and assess the opinions of residents - "particularly scenarios of their behaviour in the event of Hungarian military entering the region".
The SBU reported the detention of two Hungarian agents, including a former Ukrainian soldier, who allegedly informed Hungary about the presence of planes and helicopters in the Zakarpattia region, as well as the defensive systems of the military unit.
As highlighted by the Ukrainian services, the investigation under the prosecutor's supervision is ongoing, with the priority being to prosecute "all members of the Hungarian intelligence spy network".
Hungary responds to Ukraine
When asked for a comment on the matter, the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Peter Szijjarto, said that the past three years have demonstrated how the war in Ukraine extends beyond the battlefield, involving not only military clashes in the air and on the front lines but also an ongoing battle of propaganda.
The head of Hungarian diplomacy also remarked, "Anti-Hungarian propaganda is often used in Ukraine, and in many cases it has been completely unfounded." Yet, he did not refute the possibility that Viktor Orban's government was conducting espionage activities in Ukraine.
"We will be able to say something only if we receive some details or official information. Until then, this should be seen as propaganda and should be treated with caution," added the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs.
