**Hungary and Ukraine at Odds: Spy Scandal Halts Talks**
The ongoing diplomatic spat between Hungary and Ukraine has taken a dramatic turn. Budapest has postponed bilateral consultations scheduled for May 12 in the western Ukrainian city of Uzhhorod, citing recent mutual expulsions following accusations of espionage.
According to reports, Ukraine’s Ministry of Justice announced on May 11 that Hungary had postponed the meeting, which was meant to mark the beginning of regular negotiations on the status and rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine. The consultations were expected to focus on implementing agreements made earlier by the two parties, including the formation of expert groups to assess recommendations from Hungary.
**A Web of Allegations**
The postponement comes against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Budapest and Kyiv. On May 9, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) publicly revealed that it had uncovered a Hungarian military intelligence network operating in Zakarpattia Oblast, which borders Hungary. The investigation alleged that the network was collecting classified information on the region’s air and ground defense vulnerabilities.
In response to these accusations, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced the expulsion of two Ukrainian diplomats, claiming they were engaged in espionage activities under diplomatic cover. Ukraine promptly retaliated by expelling two Hungarian diplomats from the country.
**Hungary’s Pro-Russian Stance**
This latest development has further strained relations between Hungary and Ukraine. Budapest’s pro-Russian leadership has come under scrutiny for its stance on Ukraine’s EU membership, which is currently being voted on in a referendum. The vote, which began on April 15 and runs through May, has been accompanied by anti-Ukraine and anti-EU campaigning.
Hungary’s demands for “restoration” of rights for ethnic Hungarians in Zakarpattia Oblast have also raised eyebrows. Essentially, Budapest is seeking to allow Hungarian-language education to be fully funded by the Ukrainian state – a privilege that many view as unfair to other minority groups.
**Deeper Analysis**
The postponement of bilateral consultations between Hungary and Ukraine reflects the escalating tensions between the two nations. The spy scandal has opened up new fault lines in an already complex web of diplomatic relations.
Hungary’s pro-Russian stance, combined with its demands for special treatment of ethnic Hungarians, has created a contentious environment. Ukraine, meanwhile, is keen to strengthen ties with Europe and assert its sovereignty.
As negotiations between the two parties stall, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold. One thing is certain: the implications for regional security and stability are significant.
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