On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin transferred two prisoners of war to Hungary's Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, in Moscow. These individuals hold dual citizenship of Hungary and Ukraine and were reportedly forcibly mobilized to serve on the front lines in Ukraine. This act comes in response to Szijjártó's request for their release, which Putin supported by offering that they could return to Budapest on the minister’s plane.

The exchange follows a phone conversation a day earlier in which Putin spoke with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who also advocated for the release of the prisoners. During the exchange, Putin praised Hungary’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, describing it as a balanced and independent approach, and noted that Budapest generally supports a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict. This indicates Hungary’s strategic position in the geopolitical landscape regarding its relationships with Russia and Ukraine.

Since Russia's renewed invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Orbán government has maintained cordial relations with the Kremlin. Hungary has repeatedly called for the avoidance of European Union sanctions against Russia, suggesting a consistent diplomatic stance that may align with their national interests despite the broader European response to the invasion. This event underlines Hungary's unique position within the EU and its approach to the conflict.