How the recent espionage scandal was commented on by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview with the Hungarian publication Válasz Online
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky spoke out about Hungary’s attempts to interfere in Ukraine’s internal affairs, particularly regarding interest in the locations of air defense systems and military units. He also noted that the Hungarian side was curious about the attitudes of Zakarpattia residents toward the presence of Hungarian peacekeepers.
These comments were made in an interview with the Hungarian publication Válasz Online, in which Zelensky discussed the recent espionage scandal involving the exposure of a Hungarian military national security service (KNBSZ) agent network operating in Zakarpattia.
“We stopped the illegal distribution of Zakarpattia passports even before the war. Most cases we handled quietly, among ourselves. Why did we decide to make the current case public? We have additional photos and videos of various meetings organized by KNBSZ on Hungarian territory, which we will also release if necessary. I do not want to threaten anyone, but we have everything at our disposal.”
– Volodymyr Zelensky
Zelensky also revealed that the Hungarian agent network began its activities in 2021, and military-related issues started to be actively discussed in 2024-2025. The last transmission of information took place on March 25, 2025. According to him, KNBSZ operatives had a list of eleven questions, including the opinion of Zakarpattia residents about the presence of Hungarian peacekeepers.
“This includes how KNBSZ paid for its intelligence assets and where our various military units are located. We documented everything. How should we respond to this during wartime? I’m not saying Budapest wants something, but if not, then for whom are they gathering this information? I asked NATO representatives if they had requested Hungarians to collect data on such matters. They said no. I am the president of a country at war – how would you react in my place? I am not accusing Viktor Orbán, I am accusing KNBSZ.”
– Volodymyr Zelensky
The president also emphasized that Viktor Orbán is using the situation in Ukraine for his political goals, without realizing the possible consequences, such as the radicalization of Hungarian society and the rise of anti-Ukrainian sentiments.
“That’s why I said Orbán is making a serious historical mistake. That’s my opinion. I cannot smile and embrace (referring to the Hungarian prime minister) when I see what is really happening. Because reality does not necessarily have to differ from politics. If he is ready for proper relations, we will find the framework for them.”
– Volodymyr Zelensky
Espionage Scandal Between Ukraine and Hungary
On May 9, the Security Service of Ukraine uncovered an agent network of the Hungarian military intelligence engaged in espionage against Ukraine. As a result, two spies were detained and subsequently arrested by the court.
The main task of this network was to gather information about the military security of Zakarpattia region, identify vulnerabilities in ground and air defense, and analyze the socio-political sentiments of local residents, including scenarios of their behavior in the event of the arrival of Hungarian troops.
Following the exposure, Ukraine and Hungary exchanged diplomatic expulsions: Hungary expelled two Ukrainian embassy staff members, and Ukraine responded by expelling two Hungarian diplomats.
On May 20, Hungarian Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Zoltán Kovács announced the discovery of two more “Ukrainian spies” who allegedly tried to establish contacts with opposition politicians and collected military and energy intelligence information.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared an “intense Ukrainian espionage activity” that has significantly increased and assured that the government is ready to prevent it. He also noted that he is familiar with video recordings of the activities of Ukrainian agents identified by the Hungarian state.