Tensions spiked sharply in Central Europe today as Hungary confirmed that two Ukrainian drones were shot down by its air defense systems just 34 kilometers from the Hungarian border in western Ukraine. The intercepts occurred at 17:00 Budapest time, following a direct order from the Hungarian military high command to engage any Ukrainian aerial targets within range.
The drone incident marks a significant escalation, coming just hours after an emergency session of Hungary’s Defence Council, during which the government declared a state of emergency. According to official statements, the country had been subjected to a “large-scale intelligence attack” allegedly orchestrated by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) in collaboration with Hungary’s main opposition party.
Arrest warrants have been issued for a number of suspected domestic collaborators, and further investigations are ongoing. The Defence Council stated that all necessary military preparations are being made to protect Hungarian sovereignty.
In a sign of broader regional concern, the governments of Slovakia and Serbia have reached out to the Hungarian Ministry of Defence for consultations regarding the growing Ukrainian threat near their borders.
As of now, Hungarian air defense and air force units remain on high alert, signaling the most serious cross-border military response by Budapest since the start of the conflict in Ukraine.