Kyiv expecting Budapest to confirm that those released from captivity will be given complete freedom to choose their place of residence

Acting Chargé d'Affaires of the Hungarian Embassy in Ukraine was summoned to the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, March 5, in connection with the transfer of several Ukrainian prisoners of war from Russian captivity to Hungary without any prior notification or coordination with Ukraine.

"On March 5, the acting chargé d'affaires of the Hungarian Embassy in Ukraine was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. The Ukrainian side emphasized the inadmissibility of publicity stunts and the politicization of sensitive issues in connection with the transfer of several Ukrainian prisoners of war from Russian captivity to Hungary without any prior notification or coordination with Ukraine," the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

"We expect a prompt response from the Hungarian side and official confirmation that these individuals will be granted complete freedom to choose their place of residence and future plans," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry noted.

It is noted that the return of people from captivity is an absolute priority for Ukraine, as evidenced by the return of 200 military personnel today as part of exchanges. Work on this is ongoing at all possible venues and with all partners who can facilitate the release of Ukrainian military personnel and civilian hostages, regardless of their ethnic origin.

"The Ukrainian side reiterated its demand that returned service members be provided with the opportunity to contact Ukrainian consular officials for health checks, consular assistance, and the ability to freely determine their future without external pressure or coercion," the message reads.

As reported, on Wednesday, March 4, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry condemned Moscow and Budapest's manipulation of the prisoner issue and announced that it would invite the Hungarian chargé d'affaires to obtain reliable information. It was reported that Ukraine had not received any information from Hungary regarding the specific individuals allegedly handed over by Russia to Hungary as prisoners of war. The Foreign Ministry emphasized that Moscow and Budapest are using the prisoners of war as part of a "political PR stunt" ahead of the Hungarian elections. The Foreign Ministry also stated that Ukraine would also request access to the returned individuals.

Earlier, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin announced his decision to release two individuals of Hungarian descent held captive by the Russian army. This was reported by the Kremlin press service following a meeting with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.