Budapest – Two individuals with both Ukrainian and Hungarian citizenship, held as prisoners of war, have been released and returned to Hungary early Thursday morning. The release followed a direct request from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó. Szijjártó stated at a press conference at Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc International Airport that Putin did not request anything in return for the release of the two men, a development that underscores Hungary’s ongoing efforts to secure the release of its citizens caught in the conflict.
The return of the two men marks a rare instance of direct negotiation yielding results amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Szijjártó emphasized that Hungary’s “rational foreign policy” over the past decade facilitated the unconditional release. The minister explained that contact with Russian authorities was initiated after one of the prisoners of war directly appealed to Orbán in a video message, while the family of the other man also reached out for assistance. Orbán then spoke with Putin on Tuesday, formally requesting their release.
Putin Confirms Unconditional Release
Confirming Szijjártó’s account, Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday that the decision to release the two men had been made in response to Orbán’s request. “We have made the decision to release the two prisoners of war, as Prime Minister Orbán asked,” Putin stated, adding that they would be transported back to Budapest on the same aircraft that brought them to Russia. Telex reported on the announcement, highlighting the unusual nature of the unconditional release.
Government Focus on Kárpátalja Hungarian Citizens
The plight of Hungarian citizens from the Kárpátalja (Transcarpathia) region of Ukraine who have been captured by Russian forces has been a recurring theme in Hungarian government communications and pro-government media. State broadcaster MTVA’s program “The Horrors of War” has featured videos of these individuals expressing gratitude to their Russian captors for their survival. However, this practice has drawn criticism from legal experts.
Tamás Hoffmann, an international law expert and associate professor at the Budapest Corvinus University’s Department of International Relations, told Telex that the dissemination of such videos could be interpreted as a violation of international law. Hoffmann explained that the Geneva Conventions protect the rights of prisoners of war, and the creation and broadcast of these videos infringes upon their rights, treatment, and the manner in which they are held.
Hungary’s Diplomatic Position
The release comes as Hungary continues to navigate a complex diplomatic position regarding the war in Ukraine. While condemning the Russian invasion, Hungary has maintained communication channels with Moscow, particularly concerning energy security and the welfare of its citizens. In November 2025, Putin described relations between Moscow and Budapest as “the best they have ever been in history,” following talks with Orbán focused on securing additional oil and gas supplies for Hungary. Euronews reported on the strengthening ties between the two countries.
Szijjártó, speaking to RTL, stated that Hungary’s approach to foreign policy has been instrumental in securing the release. He characterized it as a pragmatic and grounded strategy, allowing for direct engagement and the pursuit of national interests. The minister underscored Hungary’s commitment to avoiding direct involvement in the conflict, stating, “Our most important task is to ensure that Hungary is never dragged into the war.”
Concerns Over Prisoner Treatment
The circumstances surrounding the capture and treatment of the two released prisoners of war remain largely unclear. While the Hungarian government has focused on securing their release, questions remain about the conditions of their captivity and whether they were subjected to any form of coercion or mistreatment. The Geneva Conventions outline specific standards for the treatment of prisoners of war, including humane conditions, access to medical care, and protection against torture or degrading treatment.
The Hungarian government has not yet provided detailed information about the identities of the two released individuals or the specific circumstances of their capture. However, officials have confirmed that both men are Hungarian citizens residing in the Kárpátalja region of Ukraine, an area with a significant Hungarian minority population. The region has been heavily affected by the conflict, and many Hungarian citizens have been caught up in the fighting.
As Washington and Moscow recently announced the resumption of military dialogue, the release of these prisoners of war could be seen as a small but significant step towards de-escalation and a potential pathway for further negotiations.
The Hungarian government has stated that it will continue to work towards the release of any other Hungarian citizens who may be held as prisoners of war in Ukraine. Further updates on this matter are expected to be provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the coming days.
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