Ukraine tells Hungary's representative that it's not OK to use POWs for PR

Iryna Kutielieva - 5 March, 21:14

Stock photo: Getty Images

Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Hungary's chargé d'affaires in Ukraine on 5 March over the transfer by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin of two captured Ukrainian soldiers to the Hungarian authorities.

Source: a statement by Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Ukraine's Foreign Ministry told the Hungarian diplomat that it was "unacceptable to use sensitive issues for PR and politicisation" in connection with the transfer of Ukrainian prisoners to Hungary.

"The Ukrainian side has reiterated its demand that the returned servicemen be given the opportunity to contact Ukraine's consular officers to check their health, provide consular assistance and guarantee the ability to freely determine their future without external pressure or coercion," the statement said.

Ukraine expects "a prompt response and official confirmation that the individuals concerned will be granted full freedom to choose their place of residence and further plans".

Background:

Putin promised at a meeting with Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in Moscow to release two Ukrainian soldiers who have Hungarian citizenship.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry then noted that the Ukrainian side had not been provided with information about who exactly had been released from Russian captivity.

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