Hungary expels two Ukrainian diplomats, accusing them of espionage
9 May 21:31
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has announced the expulsion of two Ukrainian diplomats, accusing them of undercover espionage. This is reported by the hu24 edition , "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
“Today we expelled two spies who worked under diplomatic cover at the Ukrainian Embassy in Budapest. We handed over the decision and the list to the Ukrainian ambassador here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Szijjarto said.
The foreign minister also complained about the alleged “anti-Hungarian propaganda” from Ukraine and the “discrediting campaign against Hungarians.”
At the time of publication, the editorial office asked the Ukrainian Embassy in Hungary for a comment, a response is awaited.
The move comes in response to a high-profile statement by the Security Service of Ukraine on the morning of May 9. The SBU reported that it had uncovered an agent network of Hungarian military intelligence operating in Ukraine. According to the investigation, the detainees collected data on the defense system of Zakarpattia, including ground and air assets, and studied the mood of the local population, in particular in the context of a possible invasion by Hungarian forces.
According to the SBU, the agents were coordinated by a career officer of Hungarian military intelligence, who has already been identified.
Peter Szijjarto, in turn, called the SBU’s information “propaganda,” which, in his words, “we must be careful with.”
What is known about the spy network
Tasks of the agents: The detainees collected information on the location of Ukrainian military bases, air defense systems (in particular, S-300), the number of troops and equipment in the region, and studied the public sentiment of the local population regarding the possible deployment of Hungarian troops under the guise of “peacekeepers.”
Supervision by Hungary: The SBU found that the agents acted under the supervision of a Hungarian military intelligence officer, who provided them with money, covert communication equipment and instructions.
Methods of work: One of the suspects used a cover story – allegedly traveling to Hungary to care for his sick father – to pass on information gathered to his handler.
Sentencing: Both defendants were charged with high treason, which carries a sentence of up to life in prison.
