Ukraine Detains Two Hungarians Suspected Spying Zakarpattia Military

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) has uncovered and detained two alleged spies operating under Hungarian military intelligence, marking the first known instance of a Hungarian espionage network acting against Ukraine's interests. The detained individuals, both former Ukrainian military personnel, are accused of gathering sensitive military information, including details about air defense systems and military deployments in the western Zakarpattia region, which borders Hungary. They were also reportedly investigating local public opinion in anticipation of a possible Hungarian peacekeeping force entering the region, raising concerns amid longstanding tensions over the ethnic Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia. Hungary, an EU and NATO member, has denied the allegations, labeling them as propaganda and urging caution until official information is provided. The incident highlights the strained relations between Kyiv and Budapest, especially given Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's close ties with Russia and refusal to support Ukraine militarily. The detainees now face charges of high treason, potentially carrying life sentences.