Alleged ‘Ukrainian Spy’ in Hungary Found to Be Russian Citizen

The individual labeled as a “Ukrainian spy,” who was previously facing deportation from Hungary, has appealed the decision to be forcibly returned to Ukraine, asserting that he is actually a Russian citizen.

The Hungarian outlet Telex reported on this, referencing the newspaper Blikk.

At the court hearing on June 5, his attorney stated that the former diplomat has no intention of returning to Ukraine and instead wishes to travel to Russia, citing his Russian citizenship.

In the residence permit application submitted last November, the diplomat indicated Ukraine as his country of origin.

The defense argues that the second citizenship was not indicated simply because the form did not include a corresponding field.

Although the court recognized the former diplomat’s presence in Hungary as a potential threat to national security, the deportation order was overturned.

The court concluded that he should have been allowed to voluntarily leave for Russia during the case review, rather than being forcibly sent back to Ukraine.

On May 9, the former diplomat was detained in downtown Budapest on suspicion of espionage. Authorities cited a threat to national security and initiated deportation proceedings.

Later, on May 20, the Hungarian government announced the exposure of two more “Ukrainian spies” who, according to official Budapest, were gathering intelligence in the military and energy sectors.

One of the suspects, Roland Tseber, is described by Hungarian authorities as an “employee” of Ukrainian intelligence and was reportedly establishing contacts with opposition figures in Hungary.

The other suspect, István Gollo, who is claimed to be of Ukrainian origin, is accused of seeking information related to Ukraine’s military and energy needs.