Ukraine, Hungary expel diplomats due to spy network allegations

Reuters

Ukraine and Hungary announced on Friday the mutual expulsion of two diplomats each, following accusations from both sides of espionage activities.

Ukraine has ordered two Hungarian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours after its SBU security agency uncovered what it says was a Hungarian-run spy network operating inside Ukraine.

In a reciprocal move, Hungary announced it was expelling two Ukrainian diplomats. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto dismissed the Ukrainian accusations as "propaganda."

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry summoned the Hungarian ambassador and delivered a formal note, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced Friday on social media, saying the decision was based on reciprocity and national interest.

The SBU reported detaining two suspects, allegedly ex-Ukrainian military personnel, accused of working with Hungarian military intelligence. The agency claims the operatives were tasked with gathering classified information on air defense systems and other military infrastructure in the country’s southwest Transcarpathia region, using covert communication equipment and receiving cash payments.

This marks the first known case of a Hungarian espionage network identified in Ukraine, intensifying already tense relations between the two countries.

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