Russian Spy Networks and Deep-Cover Espionage in Europe

A book talk and roundtable discussion hosted by Political Capital Institute, Corvina Publishing House and British Council Hungary

Date: 18 March 2026 I 17:00-20:30  

Language: English (without translation)

Venue: Magvető Café (1074 Budapest, Dohány utca 13.)

One of The Economist’s Best Books of 2025, The Illegals offers the first comprehensive history of Russia’s most secretive spy programme, from its origins in the early Soviet era to Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Drawing on extensive research and gripping storytelling, the book reveals how this clandestine network operated for decades in the shadows, and how its legacy continues to shape Russia’s worldview, strategic culture, and confrontation with the West. 

The author, Shaun Walker is the Guardian's central and eastern Europe correspondent who was based in Budapest for several years. Previously, he spent more than a decade in Moscow and is the author of The Long Hangover: Putin's New Russia and the Ghosts of the Past. He has delivered some of the most vivid and insightful reporting on the war in Ukraine, bringing his unmatched knowledge of the region. Walker was shortlisted for the 2024 UK Press Awards,

Some questions we will touch upon during the talk and our panel discussion with leading experts and investigative journalists:

• How did the Soviet “illegals” programme differ from traditional intelligence operations?
• What lessons should European countries draw from the history of deep-cover infiltration and influence operations?
• Is rapid technological advancement a blessing or a curse in terms of intelligence gathering and espionage, and even for investigative journalists?
• What is the relevance of this topic today in Hungary? 

Programme

17:00-19:45 The Illegals – Book talk and moderated discussion

Opening talk by Shaun Walker, on The Illegals and Russian Spy Networks in Europe

Panel discussion

Szabolcs Panyi – investigative journalist, VSquare, Direkt36

Shaun Walker – British journalist and author

Péter Krekó – disinformation expert, Political Capital Institute 

    moderator: Viktória Serdült– journalist, HVG

19:45-20:00 Book signing

The conference is free, but registration is required. Please fill in this form: https://forms.gle/BYft8uRjExrwc9BZA