Reuters reported that on May 9, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced that it had discovered a spying network believed to be operated by the Hungarian state to collect intelligence on Kiev's defense system.
According to SBU, two suspects involved in the above spiel organization have been arrested. This is the first time in history that Ukraine has discovered a Hungarian spiel ring operating against the interests of Kiev.
The Hungarian government has not yet responded after being asked to comment.
Hungary is a member of the European Union (EU) and NATO - two blocs that Ukraine is seeking to closely link in its conflict against Russia. However, relations between Kiev and Budapest have long been tense.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has always been skeptical about Western military aid to Ukraine. He is also one of the few European leaders who still maintain ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin - something that has left the majority of the EU membership always looking to isolate the Central European nation.
SBU said the two suspects are former Ukrainian soldiers who have been arrested and are being investigated for treason. Investigation results show that they were recruited by a Hungarian military intelligence officer, provided with cash and special equipment for secret communication.
According to SBU, the suspects were tasked with handing over to the coordinator detailed information about Ukraine's other air defense and military capabilities in the Transcarpathia region, southern Ukraine, bordering Hungary.
According to Reuters, Ukraine currently has about 150,000 people of Hungarian origin living, mostly concentrated in the Transcarpathia region. Kiev and the Orban government have repeatedly disagreed on the community's right to use the mother tongue.
