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Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
The Hungary-Ukraine spy scandal and Russia's possible role, explained
Ukraine's rocky relationship with Hungary reached new lows this month with the uncovering of an alleged spy ring run from Budapest. Arrests, tit-for-tat expulsions, and a stream of accusations from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban soon followed in a diplomatic scandal with potentially massive ramifications for both countries. "This is probably the most-discussed Ukraine-related news (in Hungary) since the beginning of the full-scale invasion," Andras Racz, a senior fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) Center for Security and Defense, told the Kyiv Independent. "It's truly unprecedented," he added. Adding to the intrigue are the questions looming over the motives of the alleged spies, who were allegedly tasked with gathering sensitive military information that would be highly valuable to one country in particular — Russia. Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) on May 9 said it had uncovered a Hungarian espionage network in western Ukraine in what was the first case of its kind. SBU counterintelligence detained two alleged agents and identified their supervisor as a Hungarian military intelligence officer. According to the SBU, one of those detained is a 40-year-old former Ukrainian military officer who was recruited by Hungarian intelligence in 2021 and placed in standby mode. Kyiv has long accused Budapest of undermining Ukraine's sovereignty through political interference and pursuing an active policy of issuing Hungarian passports to ethnic Hungarians in the region. They claim he was "activated" in September 2024 when he began to conduct reconnaissance on the deployment of Ukrainian Armed Forces and the coordinates of S-300 air defense systems in the region. The spies' tasks also included identifying official vehicles belonging to Ukraine's army, and gathering data on the presence of aircraft and helicopters in Zakarpattia Oblast. They were also tasked with gauging local attitudes to various scenarios including the deployment of a Hungarian "peacekeeping contingent." At the center of the spy scandal is Ukraine's Zakarpattia Oblast, a region that has long been home to a large ethnic Hungarian minority that numbered 70,000-80,000 in 2024. Relations between Ukraine and Hungary have been historically strained because of issues relating to Zakarpattia Oblast — Kyiv has long accused Budapest of undermining Ukraine's sovereignty through political interference and pursuing an active policy of issuing Hungarian passports to ethnic Hungarians in the region. In turn, Budapest accuses Kyiv of discriminating against the Hungarian ethnic minority there, especially over Ukraine's language laws that require at least 70% of education above fifth grade to be conducted in Ukrainian. While Budapest has called this measure discriminatory toward the Hungarian minority, Kyiv denies it is discriminatory, saying it only aims to ensure that every Ukrainian citizen has sufficient knowledge of the country's official language. These issues have taken on extra significance since the start of Ukraine's accession talks which formally launched in June 2024. Hungary — which as an existing member of the EU holds veto power over accession decisions — has held up the process, citing discrimination against its Hungarian minority as a key obstacle. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused Ukraine of collaborating with his political opposition, Tisza party leader Peter Magyar, to orchestrate a campaign to discredit him ahead of a planned referendum on Kyiv's EU membership. The day before the SBU announcement, Magyar released an audio recording of a 2023 conversation in which Defense Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky talks of preparing the country's military for war — the opposite of what he and Orban had been saying in public, Magyar said. "Thus, the Hungarian opposition party took an active part in the special operation of the Ukrainian secret service," Orban said on May 13, adding: "Such a thing has never happened in our memory." Budapest also on May 9 expelled what it claimed were two "spies" working under diplomatic cover at Ukraine's embassy in Budapest, a move met with reciprocal expulsions by Kyiv. Another two Ukrainian "spies" were allegedly uncovered on May 20. After the scandal, Hungarian Deputy Foreign Minister Levente Magyar refused to come to Ukraine on May 12 for planned talks about the Hungarian national minority, Ukraine's Justice Ministry said on May 11. According to Racz, just the fact that Ukraine's SBU went public with the information is in itself significant. "Usually, espionage-related affairs are handled in a silent, non-public way. Even if there are expulsions, usually both sides are interested in minimizing tensions and the damage inflicted," Racz said. "Why would Budapest need the location and exact type of the air defense systems so much that they specifically instructed one of the agents to go there and take pictures of the installations? [...] I find no other plausible answer than Russia." And the timing of the announcement may also have been deliberate — according to Viktor Yahun, former deputy head of the SBU, the release of the information on May 9, Russia's Victory Day, was to "show once again how close the contacts and intentions of Hungary and Russia are." Complicating matters further is the fact that Orban is widely seen as the EU's most pro-Russian leader, and has repeatedly opposed military aid for Ukraine, arguing that Western support prolongs the war. He has maintained close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, holding official meetings despite the full-scale invasion and amplified Kremlin narratives in Europe. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has visited Russia 13 times in the past three years, far more than any other EU diplomat, and even more than some of Russia's closest allies. Read also: Hungarian FM visits Moscow, eyes further economic cooperation with Russia Largely because of this, Hungary has shifted into a "gray zone" regarding intelligence sharing with EU countries, Vitalii Diachuk, the Institute for Central European Strategy (ICES) analyst, told the Kyiv Independent. The intelligence exchange process became more formalized, and Hungary ceased receiving analytical intelligence from NATO and EU countries, and stopped providing any of its own intelligence related to Russia, he added. Diachuk said there was nothing irregular about a country collecting general intelligence on its neighbors "especially when there is a war going on," but said a line would be crossed if that information "poses a threat to Ukraine's national security." The SBU's claim that Hungarian spies were collecting information about Ukraine's air defenses would most certainly cross this line, Racz said "If the SBU's claims are well-grounded… then it is very hard to imagine why this information would be relevant for Hungary," he added. "Why would Budapest need the location and exact type of the air defense systems so much that they specifically instructed one of the agents to go there and take pictures of the installations?" Given the highly unlikely scenario that Hungary is planning to attack Ukraine and thus needs to know where its air defenses are located, the remaining possible explanations are limited. "At present, unfortunately, I find no other plausible answer than Russia," Racz said. Yahun told the Kyiv Independent that it's within the realm of possibility that Orban was acting under the orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Some of my colleagues have said that it is possible that during Orban's meeting with Putin (in July 2024), he could have persuaded Orban to exchange some intelligence information that is sensitive to Hungary and Russia," Yahun said. Yahun also said it's unlikely that Orban didn't know about the spying operation given his closeness to Major General Norbert Tajti, the head of Hungary's Military National Security Service (KNBSZ). Before his appointment, he served in Hungary's Joint Forces Command and as Orban's aide in the Prime Minister's Office. "(Tajti) had been a personal assistant to Orban for three years. This means that this person is completely devoted to Orban, and any actions on his part could not have been operated independently," Yahun said. Racz also said that Orban's explanation — that the entire thing was an orchestrated campaign between Ukraine and his political opposition — is unlikely as Orban would not have missed the opportunity to present solid evidence and "frame Peter Magyar's Tisza party as a Ukrainian agent." The Kyiv Independent contacted the SBU to ask how long the alleged Hungarian spying operation had been ongoing, and if it was broader than just the two individuals already detained. "All information about the investigation that is currently permitted to be made public has already been posted on the official resources of the (SBU)," it said in a written statement. Read also: Ukraine attacks elite Russian unit base nearly 7,000km away in Vladivostok, source claims We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Hindustan Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Recent India-Pak clashes not about ‘conflict in Kashmir': Jaishankar in Berlin
New Delhi: The recent clashes between India and Pakistan were triggered by the 'brutal terrorist attack' in Pahalgam and were not about a 'conflict in Kashmir', and much of the world agreed with the actions taken by New Delhi, external affairs minister S Jaishankar has said. Describing the recent events as a 'conflict in Kashmir' would be akin to putting the perpetrator and the victim of the Pahalgam attack at the same level, Jaishankar said during at interaction at the DGAP or German Council on Foreign Relations in Berlin late on Friday. India targeted terrorists located in Pakistan, which has 'for many, many years used terrorism as a kind of a tool in its attempts to pressure us', he said during an interactive session at the think tank. Jaishankar responded to a question on the 'international implications of the conflict in Kashmir' by saying: 'First of all, this was not a conflict in Kashmir, this was a terrorist attack. 'And a terrorist attack which is part of a pattern which has not only targeted the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, but other parts of India as well. It's very important to clarify because when you project it as a conflict, you're really putting the perpetrator and the victim, without meaning to, at the same level.' India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack last month that killed 26 civilians. This triggered four days of intense clashes before India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to halt their military actions. Jaishankar said the 'horrific, particularly brutal terrorist attack' at Pahalgam was meant to 'create a fear psychosis and destroy the tourism economy of Kashmir'. The attack was also meant to sow religious discord because of the manner in which the victims were identified according to their faith and killed. There was a lot of international understanding for India's response to the attack and the UN Security Council issued a statement saying the perpetrators should be held accountable. 'And that is exactly what we did on May 7. We targeted terrorist headquarters and terrorist centres. And our campaign is against terrorism,' he said. 'When it comes to terrorism, I think today there's virtually no country which would say I approve of what is done or no country which would say I don't condemn what was done,' Jaishankar said, noting Germany too condemned the attack and backed India's right to defend itself against terrorism. Jaishankar also called for greater cooperation between India and European countries, particularly Germany, in the Indo-Pacific to give countries in the region more option in key sectors such as telecommunications, digital infrastructure, space-based applications and healthcare. While security is one of the main issues in the Indo-Pacific, Jaishankar said, in an apparent reference to China and its Belt and Road Initiative, that countries in the region would be 'railroaded' if they do not have more choices. 'I would actually point to a different concept, which is how do we give countries in the Indo-Pacific more choices. That if countries in the Indo-Pacific have a single choice, they're railroaded along a certain path and they develop their dependencies and frankly they're put in a very unenviable position,' he said. Jaishankar also pointed to changes in the US's engagement with the world during crises and humanitarian disasters while seeking greater cooperation between India and Europe to deal with these issues. While the US was the main responder during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, questions have now arisen about its willingness to commit resources and undertake responsibilities, he said. He cited the example of the recent earthquake in Myanmar and said India and the China were the first to send relief teams to the country and set up shelters and mobile hospitals. 'We do feel there is an intent certainly on the part of Europe to [work on these issues] but intent by itself won't work if you don't have partners who make it possible,' he said, calling for new modes of collaboration between India and Europe to deal with global crises.
India Gazette
24-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
EAM Jaishankar lists areas of collaboration between India-Germany
Berlin [Germany], May 24 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shared his remarks on how India and Germany can upgrade their ties as the two countries mark 25 years of their strategic partnership. He offered suggestions on collaboration in several areas to take the ties ahead. EAM Jaishankar made the remarks while speaking at the DGAP's Centre for Geopolitics, Geoeconomics and technology. EAM Jaishankar said in his speech that his visit comes as the two countries are celebrating 25 years of their strategic partnership. He said, 'To be here early in the tenure of this government, so that we really lose no time in forging a pathway towards taking after 25 years to look at the next 25 years and see where we can take our relationship'. Listing down the challenges which the modern world has brought forth, such as the chips war, climate change, poverty, damage done by the COVID pandemic, amongst others. EAM expressed confidence in the India-Germany ties to face them. He said, 'The global picture is very challenging... for that I would argue that the partnership between India and Germany, and India and the European Union, of which Germany is a crucial and invaluable member, has acquired an importance and a salience much more than it has had before'. Sharing his engagements in Germany, EAM noted that the time is ripe to think about the next 25 years and how we can fully realise the potential of India-Germany ties. Sharing his thoughts on what can be done to upgrade the relationship, EAM listed down areas of collaboration. The first area he highlighted was 'A good start would be defence and security. We've had sort of an off and on relationship here. There have been times decades ago when there were actually active defence ties between us. Then for whatever reason, there's a certain conservatism about taking it forward. But I have seen that in the last few years, once again, there is a realization in both countries that there is something that we have to offer to each other. And the defence and security of both countries would be very much stronger through our cooperation. And we see this reflected. We see this reflected in exercises in the visits of German ships to the Indo-Pacific and to Indian ports. We see it reflected in enhanced export licensing practices, in discussions whether there can be further technology and equipment collaboration between our countries.' The second area he brought to attention was talent and mobility to meet demand and demographics. He highlighted that India's demographic curve is in the right place to fashion a global workforce. The third area was technology and digital AI, and the fourth area being sustainability and green growth. He expressed optimism for trade ties to grow between the two countries and an FTA with the EU would help in that regard. He also shared the snippets from the event in a post on X. 'A good interaction @dgapev this evening. Spoke about India and Germany coming closer to promote global stability, security and prosperity. Discussed new opportunities in the bilateral relationship, as well as with the European Union. Preparing for a stronger partnership in a multipolar world.' (ANI)
Hans India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
'Pahalgam attack was done to create fear psychosis, destroy tourism and create religious discord', says EAM Jaishankar in Berlin
Berlin: Reiterating India's zero-tolerance for terrorism, India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar has said that the Pahalgam terror attack was meant to create fear psychosis in the minds of people, destroy tourism economy flourishing in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir as well as create a religious discord between communities living in the country. EAM Jaishankar made the remarks while speaking at the DGAP's Centre for Geopolitics, Geoeconomics and technology. He also added that no country in the world has approves of terrorism but rather condemned it. The EAM said that Germany also condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and said that India only targeted terrorists headquarters and training centres emanating from its neighbouring country Pakistan and the latter has used terrorism as a state-sponsored policy to pressurise India. Germany recognises India's right to defend itself against terrorism, EAM Jaishankar said. India has zero tolerance for terrorism and will never give in to nuclear blackmail, he added on Friday after briefing Germany's top leadership on the new approach to combating cross-border terror backed by Pakistan. EAM Jaishankar signalled there will be no room for third-party mediation in India's dealings with Pakistan while addressing a news conference with his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul in Berlin. He shared his remarks on how India and Germany can upgrade their ties as the two countries mark 25 years of their strategic partnership. He offered suggestions on collaboration in several areas to take the ties ahead. He said, "To be here early in the tenure of this government, so that we really lose no time in forging a pathway towards taking after 25 years to look at the next 25 years and see where we can take our relationship." Listing down the challenges which the modern world has brought forth, such as the chips war, climate change, poverty, damage done by the Covid pandemic, among others. The EAM expressed confidence in the India-Germany ties to face them. He said, "The global picture is very challenging... for that I would argue that the partnership between India and Germany, and India and the European Union, of which Germany is a crucial and invaluable member, has acquired an importance and a salience much more than it has had before." Sharing his engagements in Germany, the EAM noted that the time is ripe to think about the next 25 years and how we can fully realise the potential of India-Germany ties. Sharing his thoughts on what can be done to upgrade the relationship, EAM listed down areas of collaboration. The first area he highlighted was "A good start would be defence and security. We've had sort of an off and on relationship here. There have been times decades ago when there were actually active defence ties between us. Then for whatever reason, there's a certain conservatism about taking it forward. But I have seen that in the last few years, once again, there is a realisation in both countries that there is something that we have to offer to each other. And the defence and security of both countries would be very much stronger through our cooperation. And we see this reflected. We see this reflected in exercises in the visits of German ships to the Indo-Pacific and to Indian ports. We see it reflected in enhanced export licensing practices, in discussions whether there can be further technology and equipment collaboration between our countries." The second area he brought to attention was talent and mobility to meet demand and demographics. He highlighted that India's demographic curve is in the right place to fashion a global workforce. The third area was technology and digital AI, and the fourth area being sustainability and green growth. He expressed optimism for trade ties to g to grow between the two countries and an Free Trade Agreement with the EU would help in that regard. He also shared the snippets from the event in a post on X. "A good interaction @dgapev this evening. Spoke about India and Germany coming closer to promote global stability, security and prosperity. Discussed new opportunities in the bilateral relationship, as well as with the European Union. Preparing for a stronger partnership in a multipolar world." Earlier on Friday morning, EAM Jaishankar also conveyed to Chancellor Friedrich Merz India's appreciation for Germany's solidarity at the time when the country was responding to the Pahalgam attack. "India has zero tolerance for terrorism. India will never give in to nuclear blackmail. And India will deal with Pakistan purely bilaterally," EAM Jaishankar said. "There should be no confusion in any quarter in that regard." Wadephul said Germany was "appalled by the brutal terrorist attack" at Pahalgam last month and had "condemned this attack on civilians in the strongest terms". He added: "Germany will support any fight against terrorism. Terrorism must never have a place anywhere in the world and this is why we will support everyone who has to fight terrorism." EAM Jaishankar said he spoke to Wadephul on May 7, the day Operation Sindoor was launched to target terrorist infrastructure on Pakistani soil, and said India values Germany's understanding that "every nation has a right to defend itself against terrorism". Defence and security was a key part of the talks between the two Foreign Ministers, and EAM Jaishankar emphasised Germany's importance as an important partner. Wadephul said the two countries share the joint goal of maintaining the rules-based world order. "India has a very special importance as a strong actor in security policy in a strategically important region," Wadephul said. EAM Jaishankar, who is on a three-nation tour of Europe that has already taken him to the Netherlands and Denmark, met members of the German Bundestag or Parliament on Thursday and discussed "India's firm commitment of combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations".
DW
22-05-2025
- Politics
- DW
Stuck between Trump and Putin: Can Merz lead? – DW – 05/22/2025
05/22/2025 May 22, 2025 How did Germany's newly elected chancellor debut as a peacemaker in Europe after his visit to Kyiv alongside fellow European leaders? Can he lead while caught between the U.S. and Russian presidents? DW's Chief Political Editor Michaela Küfner discusses Merz's first steps as Germany's new chancellor on the European stage with Andreas Rinke from Reuters and Aylin Mantle from DGAP.
