Ukraine Demands Release of POWs as Hungary Faces Accusations of Unauthorized Detention

According to recent news articles, Ukraine has accused Hungary of holding eleven Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) who were handed over by Russia. The transfer of these POWs has caused tensions between Ukraine and Hungary, with Ukraine claiming that Hungary has been ignoring its requests for contact with the prisoners. On June 20, Ukraine repatriated three Ukrainian POWs from Hungary after a group of POWs was transferred there from Russia without coordination with Kyiv. However, Ukraine has not yet received access to the remaining eight POWs transferred to Hungary.

Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has denied his government’s involvement in the transfer of the Ukrainian POWs from Russia. The European Union’s executive arm has asked Hungary’s government to provide explanations and details about its role in the transfer of the Ukrainian POWs.