The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accused Moscow and Budapest of leveraging the issue of prisoners of war (POWs) as a tool for political publicity in the lead-up to Hungary’s elections.
In a statement, the ministry noted that it had observed claims regarding Russia’s purported transfer of several POWs to Hungary, yet emphasized that no information had been provided to Ukraine regarding this matter.
As a result, the ministry plans to summon Hungary’s chargé d’affaires to obtain accurate information. Additionally, Ukraine intends to request access to the individuals who were reportedly returned.
The ministry highlighted that this manipulation of the sensitive issue of POWs is not unprecedented for either Moscow or Budapest.
In a pointed remark, the statement criticized the cynicism involved in using the release of individuals as a component of political marketing during Hungary’s electoral process, suggesting that both President Putin and the current Hungarian leadership exhibit a troubling lack of ethical boundaries.
The ministry expressed hope that following these developments, the individuals in question would be left alone to make their own choices regarding their future. It also condemned the use of ethnic manipulation from the Hungarian side.
“Ukraine prioritizes the protection of its citizens, regardless of their ethnic background. Genuine humanitarian efforts from countries that sincerely assist Ukraine in securing the release of individuals from captivity and safeguarding lives are never accompanied by such cynical publicity and politicization,” the statement read.
Contextually, on March 4, Russian President Vladimir Putin assured Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó that two Ukrainians currently held in Russian captivity would be released. These individuals reportedly hold dual citizenship in both Ukraine and Hungary.
Putin indicated that he had discussed the matter of their release with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán during a conversation on March 3.
The Ukrainian government has accused Russia and Hungary of exploiting the issue of prisoners of war for political advantage as Hungary approaches its elections. The ministry plans to seek clarification from Hungary regarding the alleged transfer of POWs, emphasizing the need for ethical treatment of such sensitive matters.