In a recent meeting with Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to release two Ukrainian soldiers who are Hungarian citizens. This decision appears to have been influenced by discussions between Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán concerning the treatment of these prisoners of war, illustrating Hungary's ongoing diplomatic engagement with Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Romania has expressed concerns about the increasing number of Hungarian nationals being called up for military service in Ukraine, which has further complicated relations.

The promise to return these POWs comes at a time when Hungary and Ukraine have had tense interactions over various military and political issues, particularly regarding the alleged