A new diplomatic dispute has erupted in Eastern Europe after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused neighboring Hungary of flying a drone into Ukrainian airspace. The allegation, which Hungary’s military has denied, has led to a public call from Kyiv for an immediate explanation.
The incident was brought to the forefront by Zelensky during a press briefing where he discussed multiple regional security threats. While he did not provide extensive details on the Hungarian drone, his foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, took to the social media platform X to amplify the charge. Sybiha posted a map allegedly showing the drone’s flight path, accompanied by the pointed message: “We are still waiting for Hungary to explain.”
This flare-up with Hungary, a NATO and EU member that has often taken a different line on the conflict than its allies, adds another layer of complexity to Ukraine’s security situation. It comes as Zelensky also made the even more serious claim that 19 Russian drones had breached Polish airspace on September 10.
These cross-border tensions highlight Ukraine’s urgent need for enhanced military capabilities. Zelensky confirmed that he is actively pursuing a new deal with the US for long-range weapons, following an agreement in principle with President Donald Trump. A Ukrainian delegation will soon travel to the US to finalize the details of this purchase.
As it navigates these diplomatic and military challenges, Ukraine is also bolstering its defenses. The president announced the recent receipt of a US-made Patriot air defense system from Israel and the expected arrival of two more. These systems are crucial for monitoring and protecting Ukraine’s airspace from incursions, regardless of their origin.
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