Ukraine urges Hungary to provide consular access to transferred soldiers from Russia
Ukraine has called on Hungary to ensure the possibility of contact between Ukrainian soldiers and consular institutions after their transfer from Russian captivity. Kyiv emphasized the inadmissibility of politicizing this issue.
On Thursday, March 5, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine summoned the chargé d’affaires of the Hungarian embassy to convey Kyiv’s position regarding the transfer of Ukrainian soldiers from Russia. The Ukrainian side condemned the lack of prior agreement or coordination in this process.
Ukraine considers the return of military and civilian captives a priority of its foreign policy, as evidenced by the release of 200 soldiers on March 5. Kyiv is working on this issue with all possible partners.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine emphasizes ensuring consular access to released soldiers to check their health, provide consular assistance, and guarantee freedom of choice of further residence and plans without external pressure.
Ukraine expects official confirmation from Hungary that released soldiers will be guaranteed freedom of choice. It is important to note that on March 4, 2026, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó visited Moscow. He stated that he would ask Russia to release ethnic Hungarians who fought on the side of Ukraine.
On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin allegedly released two prisoners of war who have dual citizenship of Ukraine and Hungary. The situation has caused concern as it is viewed in some circles as a potential tool of political influence on Ukraine’s internal and external policy.
| Date | Event |
| March 4, 2026 | Visit of the Hungarian Foreign Minister to Moscow |
| March 5, 2026 | Transfer of Ukrainian prisoners of war from Russia to Hungary |
