Zelensky Unmasks Hungarian Spies Plotting ‘Peacekeeper’ Plans, Condemns Orban for Using His Face
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has uncovered details of a covert Hungarian military intelligence operation in Transcarpathia, and criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for using Ukraine as a political tool in his election campaign.
In an interview with the Hungarian publication Valasz, he also addressed the refusal of Western countries to impose additional sanctions on Russia due to Ukraine’s stance on military mobilization.
Details of Hungarian military intelligence operation in Transcarpathia
Hungarian military intelligence has been operating in Transcarpathia, with a particular interest in how the region’s residents would react to the presence of «peacekeepers,» said Zelensky.
He revealed that Budapest has tried to interfere in Ukraine’s internal affairs in numerous ways.
Zelensky said that Kyiv had already halted the illegal distribution of passports in Transcarpathia before the full-scale war began, and many of these issues were resolved quietly.
However, in May 2025, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) revealed the arrest of Hungarian spies in the region. On May 9, the SBU reported that Hungarian military intelligence agents had been operating in Transcarpathia.
As part of a special operation, the SBU detained two agents working under the direction of a Hungarian intelligence officer.
Zelensky disclosed why the case had been made public: “We have additional photos and videos from meetings organized by the Hungarian National Security Service (KNBSZ) on Hungarian territory, which we will release if necessary. I don’t want to make threats, but we have everything.”
Zelensky further added that they had detailed documentation of how the KNBSZ paid its spies.
“The Hungarian network has been developing since 2021, with military-related activities escalating in 2024-2025. The last exchange of information occurred on March 25 this year,” he said.
The President stated that the Hungarian special services were specifically interested in identifying vulnerabilities in Ukraine’s border region.
“Why did they want information about where we placed our S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems? That’s what they were focused on,” Zelensky said.
He also revealed that the Hungarian operatives had a list of questions on their phones, which Ukrainian intelligence had managed to acquire. Among the eleven questions were inquiries about how the residents of Transcarpathia would respond to the potential presence of Hungarian peacekeepers and the locations of various Ukrainian military units.
“How should we respond to this during a war?” Zelensky asked, expressing his concerns about the Hungarian interference.
Zelensky also said he had asked NATO officials whether Hungary had been authorized to gather such intelligence.
“They said no. I am the president of a country at war – how would you react if you were in my position?” he added.
Zelensky clarified that while he does not hold Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban responsible for the actions of Hungary’s intelligence service (KNBSZ), he does hold the latter accountable for the espionage activities.
Zelensky on Orban: “He is using Ukraine and my face for the elections”
According to Zelensky, Orban is exploiting Russia’s war against Ukraine for his own political gain, using it as a tool in his election campaign.
“He is using Ukraine for his own elections. He doesn’t understand that this will lead to much more serious and dangerous consequences: the radicalization and anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Hungarian society,” Zelensky said.
The President criticized Orban for making a “big historical mistake” by not supporting Ukraine, but instead choosing to oppose it. However, he made it clear that if Orban is willing to engage in “correct” relations, Ukraine is open to dialogue.
The controversial Hungarian election poster features Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European People’s Party leader Manfred Weber, with the slogan: “Vote in 2025 on Ukraine’s membership in the EU. Don’t let them decide for us!”
Photo: @newsopini/Х
“But to use my face for your elections? I did not consent to it! I am the president of another country. It is wrong to use me for your domestic politics,” Zelensky stated.
“Orban’s posters are not hung in other countries. That would be unethical,” he added.
West refuses sanctions on Russia over Ukraine’s mobilization policies
Zelensky also addressed the refusal of Western leaders to impose sanctions on Russia, explaining that some of the resistance stems from Ukraine’s decision not to mobilize young people aged 18-24.
“We did not mobilize 18 to 24-year-olds, but offered them annual contracts. I have never spoken about this before because it’s a delicate issue. I do not believe we should mobilize people from the age of 18, as the leaders of other countries [think],” Zelensky said.
He emphasized that Operation Spider Web showed that it’s not the number of soldiers that counts, but rather the weapons and technology at their disposal. He also stressed the importance of sanctions targeting Russian financial resources.
“However, when it comes to sanctions, one reason Western partners give for not imposing them is that Ukraine did not mobilize people aged 18 and older,” Zelensky added.
The president clarified that Ukraine has provided 18-24-year-olds the opportunity to demonstrate their willingness to serve if requested by international partners, in line with Ukraine’s legislation.
But he pointed out that thousands of soldiers are already on the front lines without the necessary weaponry.
“Mobilization is a problem in any war. Ukraine is no exception because we want the war to end. People are getting tired. We can mobilize 27,000 people per month, while the Russians can mobilize 40-50,000 because their losses are greater,” Zelensky said.
Source: Julia Struck