Hungary Seeks EU Sanctions on Ukraine over Alleged Conscription Death

Hungary has formally requested the European Union to impose sanctions on Ukrainian military officials responsible for the death of József Sebestyén, a dual Ukrainian-Hungarian citizen who died after allegedly being severely beaten by Ukrainian recruitment officers during forced conscription. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó have condemned the incident as an example of brutality linked to Ukraine's mobilization efforts, calling for immediate inclusion of the implicated Ukrainian officials on the EU human rights sanctions list. Hungary alleges Sebestyén was beaten to death, while Ukraine denies these claims, stating that he was lawfully mobilized, deserted his unit, was hospitalized for acute stress, and died due to a pulmonary embolism with no signs of violence. The case has heightened tensions in Hungarian-Ukrainian relations, with Budapest summoning Ukraine’s ambassador to protest and organizing public demonstrations condemning the killing. Orbán has used the incident to argue against Ukraine’s EU membership bid, citing systemic abuses within Ukraine’s conscription process. Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accused Hungary of exploiting the case for political purposes, emphasizing the need to maintain bilateral relations despite the controversy.