Ukrainian Security Services Arrest Suspected Hungarian Spies Near Border

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian security services announced Friday they arrested two Ukrainian nationals accused of working for Hungarian military intelligence near the shared border.

The suspects, both former members of the Ukrainian military, were gathering information on troop numbers, military installations, and air defenses in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

SBU spokesperson Artem Dehtiarenko stated that the agents were also assessing local sentiments, particularly how civilians might react if Hungarian troops entered the area.

The espionage operation was highlighted by a video showing the detainees admitting to their actions. According to Dehtiarenko, these individuals were allegedly under the direction of a Hungarian military intelligence officer, whose identity has been confirmed.

“The results of the investigation revealed that they received compensation for providing information,” said Dehtiarenko.

Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó dismissed the allegations as “Ukrainian propaganda,” stating, “Until we receive official information, we will treat these claims with caution.”

If convicted of treason, the suspects could face life imprisonment. This incident marks a significant moment in Ukraine’s history, as it is the first known case of a Hungarian espionage network operating on Ukrainian soil.

Relations between Hungary and Ukraine have been strained, fueled by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán‘s connections with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The SBU investigation into the alleged spy ring included evidence that one suspect, a 40-year-old veteran from Berehove, had been recruited in 2021 and was tasked with collecting intelligence as recently as this year. He was provided with cash payments to support his activities.

Dehtiarenko emphasized that both detainees had attempted to form a network for the transmission of information across borders, aiming to enhance the Hungarian intelligence operation’s reach.