A bitter diplomatic row has erupted between Hungary and Ukraine following allegations of a Hungarian espionage network, bringing relations to a new nadir as accusations mount regarding Prime Minister Viktor Orban's political maneuvers. The conflict intensified after Ukraine's SBU security agency announced the arrest of two Ukrainian nationals purportedly spying for Hungary, allegedly linked to preparations for Hungary's military action in Ukraine.
The fallout saw both nations expelling diplomats in a retaliatory show of discontent. Some observers speculate that Orban might be leveraging the crisis against his primary political rival, the Tisza party, leading in pre-election polls for the upcoming 2026 elections.
Orban, increasingly viewed as a staunch ally of Russia within the EU, has distanced Hungary from its European allies by maintaining trade relations with Russia and often criticizing Ukraine's EU membership aspirations. In a peculiar move, he distributed a government questionnaire to households urging citizens to reject Ukraine’s EU candidacy.
The political landscape further shifted when the Tisza party leader, Peter Magyar, made headlines for delivering medical aid to a Kyiv hospital shortly after a deadly Russian strike. This humanitarian act positioned him favorably among Hungarians, contrasting sharply with Orban's hardline stance.
Roland Tseber, a politician linked to the Tisza party, faces accusations of espionage from the governing Fidesz party and has been banned from entering Hungary and the Schengen Area without explanation. Tseber vehemently denies any involvement in espionage and describes the situation as absurd, asserting that it undermines genuine relationships with Hungarian officials he regularly collaborates with.
Adding to the tension, a former Hungarian military chief turned Tisza politician, Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi, faces allegations of colluding with Ukrainian intelligence. Ruszin-Szendi refuted the claims, framing them as a smear campaign against loyal citizens contributing to Hungary’s defense.
A recent leak suggests Orban had different intentions as he attempted to project an image of peace—years after promising to keep Hungary insulated from the conflict in Ukraine—indicating a shift towards military readiness amidst ongoing tensions. These developments unfold as Hungary grapples with its complex position, balancing historical ties to Ukraine while facing internal political strife in an increasingly polarized regional context.
