Hungarian spies detained, special tribunal approved, EU military support: May 9 highlights

SBU exposed Hungarian intelligence agents

For the first time in Ukraine’s history, the SBU exposed a Hungarian military intelligence network conducting espionage against Ukraine in Zakarpattia Oblast, detaining two agents.

The spies sought vulnerabilities in Zakarpattia’s ground and air defenses, including S-300 missile systems, and studied local residents’ socio-political views, particularly their potential reactions to a Hungarian military incursion.

The detainees, a 40-year-old former serviceman and a former servicewoman, face life imprisonment for high treason.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó dismissed the detentions as “Ukrainian propaganda” and called for caution until official details emerge.

Hungary and Ukraine expelled diplomats

Following the spy detentions, Hungary expelled two Ukrainian diplomats from Budapest, accusing them of espionage under diplomatic cover.

In response, Ukraine announced it would expel an equal number of Hungarian diplomats.

EU to allocate almost €1.9 billion for military support to Ukraine

The European Union announced plans to provide nearly €1.9 billion in military support for Ukraine.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said €1 billion will fund weapons purchases directly from Ukrainian manufacturers under the “Danish model.”

The EU’s commitment, voiced during a Lviv meeting, includes over 1 million shells in 2025 and €2 billion from frozen Russian assets.

Delegations from 35 countries arrived in Lviv for Europe Day

On Europe Day, Lviv welcomed EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, foreign ministers, and representatives from 35 countries and the Council of Europe.

The gathering marked a historic moment as EU foreign ministers approved the creation of a special tribunal to prosecute Russia’s leadership for crimes against Ukraine, a step toward accountability for the invasion.

Kallas: EU has a backup plan in case Hungary blocks Ukraine's accession

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the European Union is developing alternative plans should Hungary block Ukraine’s EU membership bid.

“There is also a plan B, but we have to work for plan A because otherwise you concentrate on plan B, and then that will happen,” Kallas said.

The Southern Defense Forces denied the existence of an order to shoot only in response

Spokesperson for the Southern Defense Forces Vladyslav Voloshyn told hromadske that no order was issued to fire only in response to Russian attacks, refuting media reports. This clarification counters claims of restrictive rules of engagement amid Russia’s ongoing assaults.

Top Border Guard Academy official was detained

The State Bureau of Investigation detained the deputy rector of the Bohdan Khmelnytskyi National Academy of the State Border Guard Service, suspecting him of building a house with state funds.

Former head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast medical commission was charged

Law enforcement charged Natalia Abramenkova, former head of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Medical-Social Expert Commission (MSEC), for declaring false information worth over 3 million hryvnias ($72,816).

A hromadske investigation, “MSEC: A New History of Luxury from Uzhhorod to Dnipro,” previously highlighted her case.

Gymnast Kolodii decided to change his sports citizenship

Gymnast Panteley Kolodii, formerly representing Ukraine, changed his sporting citizenship to the United States, following gymnast Illia Kovtun, who won a silver medal for Ukraine at the 2024 Olympics.

Other news

• MP Buzhansky congratulated “brothers” on Victory Day, prompting MP Bezuhla to appeal to the SBU.
• Lawyers for boys convicted of raping a girl in Zakarpattia Oblast filed an appeal against the verdict.
• Nine Ukrainian children were returned from occupied territories.
• A woman and her 12 dogs were evacuated from Sumy Oblast, the last resident on her street.
• Snow fell in the Ukrainian Carpathians in May.

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