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Ukraine Detains Hungarian Spies, Diplomatic Expulsions Escalate Tensions

Kyiv accuses Budapest of espionage in Transcarpathia, prompting a reciprocal diplomatic standoff over intelligence operations and minority rights.

Des membres du SBU, en 2021.
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Overview

  • The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) arrested two alleged Hungarian military spies in the Transcarpathia region, accusing them of gathering intelligence on Ukrainian military installations and public sentiment.
  • The suspects, both former military personnel, were reportedly supervised by a career officer of Hungary's military intelligence service, according to the SBU.
  • In retaliation, Hungary expelled two Ukrainian diplomats, accusing them of espionage under diplomatic cover in Budapest.
  • Ukraine responded by expelling two Hungarian diplomats, further escalating the diplomatic confrontation between the neighboring countries.
  • This marks the first public exposure of a Hungarian intelligence network in Ukraine, intensifying existing disputes over minority rights, EU accession, and Hungary's pro-Kremlin stance.