EU: Hungary must explain its role in release of Ukrainian prisoners of war
The European Commission has stated that Hungary should explain its role in the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war from Russia and its communication on this issue with Kyiv.
Source: Delfi citing Peter Stano, European Commission spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy
Stano was commenting on a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to the effect that Hungary is holding 11 Ukrainian prisoners of war whom it took out of the Russian Federation, and is not allowing Ukrainian diplomats to visit them.
Quote from Stano: "With regard to Hungary, its authorities must explain the details and their participation in the release of Ukrainian citizens held by Russia as prisoners of war, as well as Hungary's communication on this issue with the Ukrainian authorities."
Stano also noted that Russia must comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure humane treatment of prisoners of war under any circumstances in accordance with the Geneva Conventions and not put their lives in danger.
Background:
- On 19 June, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine stated that the conditions of detention of Ukrainian captives transferred to Hungary from Russia do not allow for them to be considered as having a free status, and the Hungarian side is not engaging in constructive dialogue with Kyiv on this matter.
- However, Orbán's administration claimed they had informed Kyiv of the transfer of Ukrainian prisoners of war to Hungary when it happened and that they had ceased to be prisoners once they arrived in Hungary.
- According to unofficial information, the release of the eleven Ukrainian prisoners of war and their transportation to Hungary may have been a personal initiative of Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjén which no one else in the government knew about.
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