To Hungary through Turkey: how Ukrainian prisoners of war were transported

Eleven Ukrainian prisoners of war, who were transferred from Russia to Hungary in June, passed through Turkey, the Hungarian media agency Radio Liberty reports, citing its sources.

According to Radio Svoboda, the plane with Ukrainian prisoners of war landed in Budapest on June 7, but it departed from Turkey.

The event, which can be recognized as a success for the Hungarian government's communication purposes, later became a source of diplomatic tension between Hungary and Ukraine. The operation provoked a negative reaction and led to a deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two countries.

According to sources familiar with the situation, interference in such an operation behind the back of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs caused sharp indignation in the ministry. Before revealing his involvement in the transportation, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó denied that the Hungarian government had interfered in the case, trying to blame the Russian Orthodox Church and the Charitable Service of the Order of Malta. However, he later changed his position, stating that the Hungarian government was, in fact, "not against" such an action.

This incident underscores the existence of disagreements between Hungary and Ukraine on certain issues and emphasizes the need to strengthen cooperation and dialogue between the two countries to address current and future challenges.