Hungary expels a Ukrainian intelligence operative from the country.
In the latest twist of the spy saga between Hungary and Ukraine, Hungarian authorities have nabbed a Ukrainian diplomat on espionage charges, booting him out of the country promptly. The Hungarian government broke the news on their official Facebook page, which incidentally has been labeled as extremist and banned in neighboring Russia.
The arrested Ukrainian, who was hiding behind diplomatic immunity, was snatched up in the heart of Budapest during late-night hours.
The government stated, "Given the espionage activities the National Migration Office has deemed him a menace, promptly banning his entry and residence. Furthermore, authorities deported the man from Hungary under the cover of darkness, as they considered his activities posed a significant threat to our country's sovereignty."
On the eighth of May, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto declared the ousting of two Ukrainian spies residing under diplomatic cover at the Ukrainian embassy in Budapest.
On the same day, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) claimed to have, for the very first time in history, unearthed a network of Hungarian military intelligence operatives. They allegedly captured two spies—a man and a woman, previous soldiers—whose mission was rumored to be gathering intel about the Zakarpattia region's status quo and potential vulnerabilities in the regional air defense system.
In retaliation, Szijjarto labeled the SBU's announcement as mere propaganda, casting doubt on the validity of their claims.
Previously, Hungary levied allegations of ties between the opposition and Ukraine's SBU following the spy scandal.
It's essential to note that tensions between these neighboring countries have been escalating, with mutual accusations of espionage and corresponding actions taken by both governments. The historical and ethnic ties between Hungary and the Zakarpattia region form the background for this escalating tension, particularly concerning the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine.
- The Ukrainian diplomat, who was arrested in Hungary, was under suspicion for spying activities, as announced by the Hungarian government on their official Facebook page.
- In a separate incident, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced the expulsion of two Ukrainian spies who had been residing under diplomatic cover at the Ukrainian embassy in Budapest.
- On the same day, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) declared the discovery of a network of Hungarian military intelligence operatives, allegedly gathering intel about the Zakarpattia region's status quo and potential vulnerabilities in the regional air defense system.
- Amidst these accusations of espionage and counter-accusations, there have been claims of ties between the opposition and Ukraine's SBU, posing questions about the credibility of political news and allegations in this region.
- War-and-conflicts, politics, general-news, crime-and-justice segments have been abuzz with these developments, as the ongoing tensions between Hungary and Ukraine continue to unfold, with historical and ethnic ties within the Zakarpattia region adding a complex layer to the situation.
