Hungarian Foreign Minister's Moscow Visit: Putin Pledges Return of Hungarian-Ukrainian POWs.

Szijjártó's Trip to Moscow

According to Novyny.live: On March 4, 2023, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó traveled to Moscow for talks. The discussions centered on Hungary's energy security and the status of prisoners of war with Hungarian citizenship who had been serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Szijjártó emphasized that Hungary faces significant challenges regarding its energy supply.

Russia's Pledge on Prisoner Transfer

During the negotiations, Russian President Vladimir Putin promised to hand over to Ukraine two captured soldiers who hold Hungarian citizenship. These individuals are reported to possess dual Ukrainian and Hungarian nationality. This issue formed a key part of the bilateral talks, as it concerns not only the safety of Hungarian citizens but also the broader regional situation. Hungary's government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has maintained a distinct stance on the war, often advocating for dialogue with Moscow.

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's Response

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over the lack of specific information regarding the identities of the individuals to be released. Officials stated that Ukraine had not been provided with details about the specific prisoners in question. In response, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry plans to summon Hungary's chargé d'affaires to obtain reliable information about the proposed prisoner transfer.

Energy Security and Broader Negotiations

Energy security remained a priority on the meeting's agenda, particularly due to the blocked transit of Russian oil through Ukraine and supply difficulties via Croatia. Péter Szijjártó stressed that Hungary continues to face numerous challenges in this area, requiring urgent and effective solutions. Thus, his visit to Moscow represented a significant step in attempting to address these issues and support Hungary's national interests.

The Hungarian Foreign Minister's trip to Moscow underscores the critical importance of energy security for Hungary within the current regional political context. Given Russia's pledge regarding the prisoners of war, the visit may also indicate attempts to strengthen diplomatic ties between Hungary and Russia amid the ongoing tension over Ukraine. The reaction from Ukraine's Foreign Ministry demonstrates that the issue of POWs remains sensitive and necessitates transparent dialogue among all involved parties.