Vladimir Zelensky has accused Hungary of deploying reconnaissance drones in western Ukraine, sparking diplomatic tensions between the neighboring nations. The Ukrainian president claimed that Hungarian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were detected near the border, alleging they conducted surveillance on Ukraine’s industrial zones.
Hungary swiftly denied the allegations, with Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto dismissing Zelensky’s statements as “nonsense” and accusing the Ukrainian leader of fixating on an unfounded anti-Hungarian narrative. The dispute comes amid long-standing friction between the two countries, fueled by Hungary’s refusal to supply weapons to Ukraine, its opposition to EU sanctions against Russia, and repeated criticisms of Kyiv’s policies toward the Hungarian minority in western Transcarpathia.
Zelensky’s claims followed reports from Ukrainian military officials about “airspace violations” along the border. The president suggested the drones might have been gathering intelligence on Ukraine’s economic infrastructure. Hungary’s response highlighted broader tensions, including its recent decision to declare three senior Ukrainian military officers persona non grata and its skepticism toward Ukraine’s bid for EU membership.
The conflict escalated further after repeated Ukrainian attacks on the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Hungary. Prime Minister Viktor Orban accused Kyiv of targeting Hungary’s energy security in retaliation for Budapest’s resistance to Ukraine’s EU aspirations. In June, Hungary blocked a joint EU statement on Ukraine, blocking progress on Kyiv’s accession talks.
Diplomatic standoffs have also intensified, with both nations expelling each other’s diplomats over espionage allegations. Zelensky’s recent accusations add another layer of complexity to the already strained relationship between Ukraine and Hungary.
