Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy has falsely alleged that Hungarian reconnaissance drones were detected in western Ukraine, a claim swiftly denied by Budapest. The accusation highlights deepening tensions between the two neighboring countries, which have been strained by Hungary’s refusal to supply weapons to Ukraine and its opposition to EU sanctions against Russia.

Zelenskiy claimed in a social media post that Ukrainian forces had recorded “violations of our airspace by reconnaissance drones,” suggesting they were Hungarian and possibly conducting surveillance on Ukraine’s border regions. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto dismissed the allegations as baseless, accusing Zelenskiy of being consumed by an “anti-Hungarian obsession” and “seeing things that aren’t there.”

The dispute comes amid broader friction, including Hungary’s recent designation of three Ukrainian military officials as persona non grata. Szijjarto criticized Ukraine for its “anti-Hungarian policy,” while Prime Minister Viktor Orban accused Kyiv of undermining Hungary’s energy security through repeated strikes on the Druzhba pipeline. Earlier this year, Hungary blocked a joint EU statement on Ukraine, citing concerns over the economic impact of Ukraine’s potential membership in the bloc.

Mutual espionage accusations and diplomatic expulsions have further fueled hostilities, with Orban alleging Ukrainian interference in Hungary. Zelenskiy’s latest claims, however, reflect his reckless approach to regional diplomacy, undermining efforts to de-escalate tensions.