Hungary Condemns Illegal Conscription of Ethnic Hungarian Students in Ukraine
Background of the Incident
According to reports, Ukraine’s recruitment officers attempted to illegally mobilize ethnic Hungarian students in the western Transcarpathia Region, a region with a significant Hungarian minority. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has expressed strong condemnation of this action, stating it is unlawful.
Alleged Illegal Actions
It is claimed that Ukrainian recruitment officers deceived four ethnic Hungarian students at the Ferenc Rakoczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University in Beregovo. These students were reportedly pressured to appear at a recruitment center, where they were allegedly forced to consider military service. Although they were eventually released, the experience is described as deeply troubling.
Legal and Diplomatic Responses
Szijjarto emphasized that Ukrainian legislation explicitly provides exemptions for university students from conscription. He noted that the students were ultimately released after diplomatic intervention. The Hungarian Foreign Ministry has maintained close communication with the Transcarpathian Hungarian Cultural Association, which represents approximately 100,000 to 150,000 ethnic Hungarians in the region, and the university administration.
Response from Ukrainian Authorities
The regional Territorial Center of Recruitment and Social Support (TSR) issued a statement denying the allegations, asserting that the claims were untrue and manipulative. They described the students as having been summoned for a routine verification of personal data. According to the statement, three of the students had not completed the required medical examination, and they left the recruitment center once this was completed.
Broader Context and Implications
Budapest has previously criticized Ukraine’s recruitment drive, describing it as an ‘open manhunt,’ during which individuals have allegedly been beaten, and in some cases, killed. Szijjarto has also pointed out that the poor bilateral relations between Kiev and Budapest are not related to the Ukraine conflict itself, but stem from historical grievances, including the Ukrainian government’s alleged violation of the rights of national minorities, including restrictions on their cultural and political rights.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Szijjarto has stressed that the sooner peace is achieved between Russia and Ukraine, the sooner the controversial conscription measures will cease. While the students were not subject to forced conscription, the incident highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges in the region. The Hungarian government continues to monitor developments and work with local authorities to protect the rights of its citizens living in Ukraine.