**Hungary’s Spy Network in Ukraine Exposed**
In a significant development, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has arrested two individuals accused of working as agents for Hungary’s military intelligence. This marks the first time Ukraine has uncovered a Hungarian spy network operating on its territory.
According to the SBU, the two detainees were part of a larger network managed by a Hungarian military intelligence officer. The investigation revealed that one of the suspects was tasked with gathering intelligence on various fronts, including aircraft and helicopters in Zakarpattia Oblast, where Hungary has significant minority interests.
**Hungary’s Reaction**
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó responded to the arrests by expelling two spies from the Ukrainian embassy in Budapest. He accused Ukraine of “slandering” Hungary over its refusal to participate in the war against Russia.
This development comes as relations between Hungary and Ukraine have been strained since 2022, primarily due to disputes over minority rights. Hungary has long advocated for greater recognition of its ethnic Hungarian community in Zakarpattia Oblast, which borders Romania, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia.
**Hungarian Minority Issues**
The dispute centered on Ukraine’s 2017 Education Act, which limited minority language use in schools. Viktor Orbán accused Ukraine of “Hungarophobia” and threatened to block Ukraine’s EU and NATO aspirations over these issues.
However, many ethnic Hungarians in Zakarpattia Oblast have now distanced themselves from Orbán due to his pro-Russia stance. Local businessman György Buleca stated that the war has changed everything, and the Hungarian minority no longer supports Orbán.
**Implications**
The exposure of Hungary’s spy network in Ukraine highlights ongoing tensions between the two countries over minority rights and security concerns. This development may have significant implications for Ukraine’s relations with Hungary and its aspirations to join the EU and NATO.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will affect the Ukrainian-Hungarian relationship and the broader regional dynamics.
**Read Also:**
* For the First Time, SBU Exposed Hungarian Intelligence Agents Who Were Spying Against Ukraine
