KYIV, Ukraine (AP) - Ukraine's primary security agency announced on Friday the arrest of two individuals suspected of espionage for Hungary. These individuals were allegedly involved in collecting intelligence on Ukraine's military operations in the western part of the country.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) stated that the two suspects, former members of the Ukrainian military, have been detained and are facing charges of treason, which can result in a life sentence. This incident marks a significant point in Ukraine's history, as it is the first time a Hungarian espionage operation has been unveiled.

The activities of the accused spies were reportedly concentrated in the Zakarpattia region of western Ukraine, an area that shares a border with Hungary and is home to a significant ethnic Hungarian minority. The relationship between Budapest and Kyiv has been strained over issues regarding the rights of Hungarians living in Zakarpattia, which was part of Hungary until the conclusion of World War I.

In response to these allegations, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó refrained from outright denying the claims of a Hungarian espionage presence in Ukraine. Instead, he suggested that the assertions from the SBU could be viewed as "anti-Hungarian propaganda." During a news conference, Szijjártó urged caution regarding any information stemming from what he termed Ukrainian propaganda and asserted that further details or official information would be necessary to address the situation.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Hungary has adopted a confrontational stance towards Ukraine. The Hungarian government has declined to provide Kyiv with military aid and has obstructed the transfer of such assistance across its territory. Furthermore, the administration led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has threatened to block EU financial support for Ukraine and has expressed opposition to sanctions against Russia as well as Ukraine's prospective European Union membership.

Orbán is widely recognized for maintaining some of the closest relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin among leaders in the European Union, though he has acknowledged that the ongoing conflict is a result of Russian aggression.

The SBU reported that both suspected spies were allegedly managed by a career officer from Hungary's military intelligence. This officer's identity has been confirmed, and it is claimed that he provided the espionage network with financial support and specialized covert communication devices, while also attempting to recruit additional individuals into the network.

The Hungarian Defense Ministry and Military National Security Service have not yet replied to requests for comment regarding the situation.