Kiev (EFE) to Brussels a “forceful” reaction to the Hungarian procedure.
“In my opinion, and precisely within the framework of the European Union (EU), it is necessary to indicate more strictly to Hungary and other countries that they cannot violate the European rules of behavior,” Podoliak said.
The Ukrainian presidential adviser warned of the risk of the EU becoming “a fiction” if a country can participate without suffering consequences in an operation such as the recent transfer to Hungarian territory without the knowledge of Kiev of 11 Ukrainian fighters who had been captured by the Russians.
“You are practically taking a hostage, taking him to your country,” Podoliak said of an initiative for which the Hungarian government denies responsibility, despite having been promoted by one of its senior officials, who would have acted for humanitarian reasons in coordination with the Russian Orthodox Church.
The European Commission has asked the Government in Budapest to explain its role in the transfer of the prisoners and to cooperate with Ukraine to resolve the crisis created by the initiative.
The example of Türkiye
Podoliak stressed that as fighters on the Ukrainian side with Ukrainian citizenship, the prisoners of war must be “directly handed over by Russia to Ukraine” according to “international procedures” governing prisoner exchanges.
“If any third country wants to participate in this, it must legally assume certain obligations, as Turkey did at the time,” said the Ukrainian presidential adviser, referring to the Turkish initiative, agreed with Moscow and Kiev, by which it welcomes in its territory Ukrainian soldiers captured at the Azovstal steel works.
Podoliak added that any state that wants to play a role in the release, return or transfer of military captives must have Ukraine’s agreement.
The question of the Hungarian minority
According to information appearing in various media, the 11 Ukrainian prisoners of war are of Magyar origin.
The Hungarian government stands up for the Hungarian minorities living in countries like Ukraine, which has repeatedly provoked the anger of Kiev, which recalls that Ukrainians of Hungarian origin are full-fledged citizens of Ukraine over whom it cannot assume representation of another State.
“We want to get legal explanations” from Hungary, said Podoliak, who wondered “what role” Budapest plays in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Since the start of the war, Hungary has deviated from the official and general line in the EU and has tried to block sanctions against Russia.
Budapest has not sent military aid to Ukraine and has cast doubt on kyiv’s chances of victory, repeatedly calling for a cessation of hostilities without first demanding Russia’s withdrawal from Ukrainian territory.