Tensions escalate: Ukraine expels two Hungarian diplomats
Diplomatic tensions between Hungary and Ukraine escalated this week, as Kyiv announced the expulsion of two Hungarian diplomats in response to Budapest’s earlier move against Ukrainian officials.
Ukraine expels Hungarian diplomats
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed the expulsion on Friday via social media, stating that the two Hungarian diplomats were given 48 hours to leave the country. He added that the Hungarian ambassador to Ukraine had been summoned and handed a formal note regarding the decision. “We are acting in response to Hungary’s actions, based on the principle of reciprocity and our national interests,” Sybiha posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Two Hungarian diplomats must leave our country within 48 hours. We have just summoned Hungarian Ambassador to @MFA_Ukraine and presented him with the relevant note. We are acting in response to Hungary’s actions, based on the principle of reciprocity and our national interests.
— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) May 9, 2025
Retaliatory move
The retaliatory move came shortly after Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó declared two Ukrainian diplomats persona non grata. Szijjártó’s decision followed an announcement by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), which claimed to have dismantled a Hungarian-run spy network operating on Ukrainian soil. According to the SBU, the network was allegedly gathering intelligence on Ukraine’s defence capabilities, including anti-aircraft positions in the western Transcarpathia region.
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The SBU further alleged that the two suspects — both reportedly former members of the Ukrainian military — were recruited by a liaison of Hungarian military intelligence. They were allegedly provided with cash and special equipment for secure communication. The two individuals have since been detained by Ukrainian authorities.
According to HVG, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán also responded to the situation, dismissing the espionage claims as a smear campaign. According to Orbán, the incident was triggered by political dissatisfaction in Brussels and Kyiv over Hungary’s national consultation, which included a public vote expressing opinions on Ukraine’s EU accession bid.
This diplomatic fallout adds to the already strained relationship between the two neighbouring countries, especially as Hungary continues to take a more critical stance on EU and NATO positions regarding Ukraine.
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