Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó sharply criticized Ukraine over the handling of the death of conscript Josyp Shebeshteni from Zakarpattia. Budapest claims the young soldier died due to violence inflicted by personnel at the local military recruitment center and accuses Kyiv of refusing to properly investigate the case. Szijjártó labeled Ukraine a “uncivilized state” for what he describes as systematic abuse linked to forced conscription practices.
Budapest alleges state-backed abuse amid Ukrainian military mobilization
Szijjártó’s statements follow reports by the pro-government Hungarian newspaper Magyar Nemzet, which said Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation will not open a probe into Shebeshteni’s death. The Hungarian minister asserted that Ukraine’s refusal to investigate confirms the existence of state-sanctioned violent conscription, including brutal beatings that can lead to death. He argued that such a policy not only disqualifies Ukraine from European Union membership but also undermines its claim to civilization. Additionally, Szijjártó criticized the EU leadership for remaining silent, accusing Brussels of tacit approval of the alleged abuses against the 45-year-old Berehove resident in Zakarpattia.
Hungary sanctions Ukrainian commanders over conscription abuses
In response, Hungary has imposed sanctions on three Ukrainian military commanders allegedly responsible for human rights violations during mobilization and has urged the EU to follow suit. Budapest cited the recent report by the Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner Michael O’Flaherty on Ukraine’s situation as evidence of the Ukrainian authorities’ harsh treatment of conscripts.
EU stresses importance of impartial investigations and warns against politicization
The European Union emphasized its commitment to thorough and impartial investigations into any human rights concerns, cautioning against politicizing isolated incidents without verified evidence. It reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s independence in handling the probe, noting preliminary law enforcement findings show no signs of murder or ethnic conflict. The EU urged respect for due process and patience until Ukraine completes its investigation.
Kyiv defends commitment to minority rights and denounces politicized accusations
Ukraine reiterated its position as a multicultural state that values diversity and protects the rights of national minorities, including the Hungarian community in Zakarpattia. Kyiv expressed readiness to cooperate with Hungarian authorities and international organizations on the matter, provided this is based on respect for sovereignty, legal procedures, and objectivity. Ukrainian forensic experts’ initial findings reportedly do not support claims of violent death. Officials condemned allegations of political murder or ethnic persecution as speculative, stressing they harm Ukraine’s international reputation and inflame interethnic tensions. Kyiv called on Hungary to refrain from international pressure based on unconfirmed accusations, warning such rhetoric undermines bilateral trust and dialogue.
