Hungary seeks EU sanctions after death of Hungarian in Ukraine
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán claimed last week that József Sebestyén, a 45-year-old ethnic Hungarian from Ukraine's Transcarpathia region, was beaten to death for refusing to join the Ukrainian army. Ukrainian authorities have firmly denied the allegations, stating the mobilisation was lawful and that Sebestyén died of a pulmonary embolism with no signs of bodily harm.
"The Hungarian government has initiated the inclusion of Ukrainian leaders responsible for József Sebestyén's death on the EU's human rights sanctions list," Orbán announced via Facebook.
Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said in Brussels on Tuesday that Hungary would formally request sanctions under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, which targets individuals involved in serious human rights abuses.
'We will officially propose that all Ukrainian military leaders responsible be placed on the EU sanctions list,' Szijjártó stated during the Foreign Affairs Council meeting.
Hungarian media, aligned with the government, reported that Sebestyén was beaten with iron rods during a forced mobilisation and died three weeks later. A video posted by his sister showed him on his knees speaking in Ukrainian, fuelling further outrage.
Ukraine rejected the allegations, identifying the man as Shebeshten Yosip Yosipovich, a Ukrainian citizen. As Ukraine does not recognise dual citizenship, he was not officially considered Hungarian. Kyiv added that the man had abandoned military training and was later treated for acute stress in psychiatric care. Authorities pledged a transparent investigation and warned Hungary against disseminating unverified, emotionally charged claims.
Rising Tensions
The incident has heightened already strained relations between Hungary and Ukraine. Budapest summoned the Ukrainian ambassador and escalated its criticism of Kyiv.
Orbán, who has long opposed Ukraine's EU accession, cited the death as further evidence of Ukraine's unfitness to join the bloc. Following a non-binding poll in which 95% of Hungarian respondents opposed Ukraine's membership, Orbán warned of 'economic and security disaster' should accession proceed.
The Hungarian government recently launched a billboard campaign featuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky alongside opposition leader Péter Magyar, implying the opposition serves foreign interests. Hungary also continues to veto EU military and financial support for Ukraine, calling instead for an immediate ceasefire.
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