Overview

• The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced the arrest of two former Ukrainian soldiers accused of spying for Hungarian military intelligence in the Transcarpathia region.
• The suspects allegedly gathered intelligence on Ukrainian military installations, arms black markets, and local sentiment toward potential Hungarian troop deployments.
• This marks the first time Ukraine has uncovered a Hungarian espionage network, with the suspects facing treason charges and possible life sentences.
• In response to the arrests, Hungary expelled two Ukrainian diplomats, accusing them of espionage activities, prompting Kyiv to reciprocate with the expulsion of two Hungarian envoys.
• Hungarian officials, including Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, have dismissed the allegations as propaganda, further straining relations amid long-standing tensions over minority rights and regional security.