Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó commented sharply on the recent reports by Ukrainian security authorities about the uncovering of a Hungarian spy network allegedly operating in the Transcarpathian region
According to him, Budapest has not yet received any official notifications from the Ukrainian side or relevant documents confirming the accusations made. At the same time, the diplomat emphasized that Ukrainian media and official sources often display signs of anti-Hungarian propaganda, which sometimes takes the form of unfounded accusations and disinformation. In response to journalists’ questions regarding the SBU's statements about exposing a spy network allegedly conducting activities in Transcarpathia to gather intelligence for Hungarian intelligence services, Szijjártó noted that he currently has no grounds to trust these claims without official confirmation. "We can only express our opinion when we receive concrete details or an official document. Until then, all these reports should be treated with caution and skepticism," he stressed. The Hungarian diplomat again pointed out that in his practice, he encounters numerous cases where anti-Hungarian propaganda spreads in Ukrainian media and political circles. According to Szijjártó, many of these claims are unfounded or exaggerated, and therefore, in the turbulent political and informational space, caution and a critical approach are necessary. This statement came amid increased attention to accusations of espionage activities, which could potentially have consequences for the bilateral relations between Hungary and Ukraine. Budapest emphasizes that it advocates for open dialogue and strives for transparency and equal cooperation but also stresses the need for accurate and verified data before making any conclusions or accusations. While Ukrainian security services insist on their operations and claim to have uncovered a foreign intelligence network, there is currently no official confirmation of such reports, and trust in official Ukrainian information in this area is also decreasing. Overall, the situation remains tense, with both sides calling for continued dialogue and increased mutual trust. Meanwhile, Budapest is preparing for any development scenarios and urges not to panic, as Szijjártó stated that it is crucial now to maintain caution and critically assess the information being circulated.