Political analyst Ihor Chelenko discusses recent developments on the Ukraine-Hungary border that have heightened diplomatic strain. President Volodymyr Zelensky convened a military meeting over drone incidents in Zakarpattia airspace. Preliminary assessments suggest the drones may be linked to Hungary, conducting reconnaissance of industrial sites, including the American Flex factory in Mukachevo, which was hit by Russian missiles in August 2024.
Zelensky ordered checks on all the details and immediate reports on each incident. In response, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó strongly denied involvement, dubbing the drones “phantoms” and accusing Ukrainian authorities of anti-Hungarian hysteria. Ukraine’s MFA called his remarks an attack on the President of Ukraine.
Military expert Serhiy Flesch detailed previous drone reconnaissance prior to the strike on Flex, stressing the need to treat such risks seriously. Flex manufactures civilian electronics, and the strike is viewed as an assault on American investment.
Alongside the drone activity, Ukrainian security services recently detained suspects accused of spying for Hungarian intelligence in Zakarpattia, who now face life imprisonment for treason during wartime. Meanwhile, Budapest continues energy cooperation with Russia and opposes new EU sanctions against the Russian Federation.
The analyst stresses the drone incident is part of a broader Hungarian policy undermining Ukraine through blocking aid and supporting Russia. The author calls for increased vigilance and border security.
