Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán underscored the role of NATO and the EU in supporting Ukraine during its difficult war, noting this in a post on the social network X. According to him, it is precisely thanks to allies in the EU and NATO that the country has been able to continue the fight and maintain its position on the international stage.
“Ukraine would have fallen long ago without NATO and EU support. Mr. President Zelensky, with all due respect, stop harassing us!”
– Orbán
On September 26, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukrainian forces had detected reconnaissance drones operating in the airspace. According to the head of state, these were likely Hungarian drones that could gather data on the potential of industrial facilities in Ukraine’s border zones.
In response, Hungary’s Ministry of Defence stated that Zelensky’s statements do not reflect reality. They also noted that no information had been received from Ukrainian partners, despite ongoing contact between the militaries and diplomats of both countries.
On September 27, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga released an image of a map showing the route of a probable Hungarian drone that could cross the border between the two countries. The events surrounding Hungary’s use of drones are shaping a tense mutual dynamic between Kyiv and Budapest in the context of security exchanges.
Context and implications for bilateral cooperation
Growing attention to drone operations in border regions reflects the sensitivity of security issues and mutual accusations between the two countries. Analysts point to the importance of keeping channels of dialogue and adhering to international norms to avoid escalation and ensure stability in the region.