Viktoria Ferenc: Prolongation of the War Is Causing Growing Number of Human Tragedies

Now in its fourth year, the war in the neighboring country continues, and Hungary views the conflict differently not only because of its geographic proximity. The Hungarian community in Transcarpathia experiences its consequences firsthand every single day. Viktoria Ferenc, a Member of the European Parliament for the Fidesz–KDNP alliance, was born near Uzhhorod and continues to return home frequently. As a result, she has direct insight into the challenges faced by Hungarians living beyond Hungary’s borders. Magyar Nemzet spoke with the representative about the community’s situation, the hardships they face, forced conscription, and Brussels’ response.

Viktoria Ferenc, Member of the European Parliament for Fidesz–KDNP (Photo: Mathieu Cugnot)

Two Hungarians have already fallen victim to these recruitment practices. Is concern—or even fear—growing?

The public became aware of two particularly shocking cases, which have come to symbolize everything that can go wrong in a prolonged war. Last summer, news spread of the death of Jozsef Sebestyen. According to reports, he suffered physical injuries during recruitment that later led to his death. Then, in January of this year, the tragedy of Zsolt Reban shook the community. Despite suffering from severe heart disease—and possessing official medical documentation declaring him unfit for service—he was taken for military training. He also lost his life.

These two cases have become symbols of a painful reality: in war, human dignity and individual lives are often subordinated to military considerations. We are speaking of two men who could still be alive today with their families.

A degree of mistrust had already existed among Hungarians in Transcarpathia due to serious violations of minority rights. I would also mention the so-called Mirotvorets list, which unlawfully publishes the personal data of individuals—including Hungarians in Transcarpathia—who are labeled enemies of the state. Events surrounding wartime mobilization have only deepened this mistrust. Today, people feel even more vulnerable. Even those with valid exemptions or deferments live in fear, concerned that they too may become victims of unlawful actions.

This is part of the harsh reality of war: when an abuse occurs, it is often too late by the time legal defenders or the international community can respond.

According to the MEP, one of the tragedies of war is that human destinies and dignity are often subordinated to military considerations. (Source: Facebook/Viktoria Ferenc)

Nevertheless, we do not leave people to face these challenges alone. I personally follow many complaints and strive to provide a channel between those affected and the relevant authorities. We have contacted Ukraine’s human rights commissioner by letter and maintain continuous communication with the local legal aid service operated by the Transcarpathian Hungarian Cultural Association.

Our goal is to provide at least some sense of support and security for the Hungarian miority in Transcarpathia during this period of profound uncertainty.

There was significant controversy surrounding the case of four university students who were detained by recruitment officials. Have there been similar cases since, and has there been any resolution?

The issue of military manpower is arising with increasing frequency as the war continues. While financial and military assistance arrives from Europe and Western allies, Ukraine must supply the human resources, placing an extraordinary burden on society as a whole. In a prolonged war, this inevitably creates tension, and those living on the home front increasingly feel its effects.

The case of the university students from Berehove (Beregszasz) fits into this broader pattern. These were young men who had valid exemptions due to their university studies. Nevertheless, they were detained and prevented from leaving the recruitment center for an extended period. Their contact with the outside world was limited, and legal representation was not permitted. These circumstances caused serious concern within the community and reinforced fears about the erosion of legal securities.

The students were eventually released, and Ukrainian authorities later denied any wrongdoing. However, the case received significant international attention. This underscores how sensitive the issue has become. Many fear that ongoing tightening or reinterpretation of mobilization rules could eventually affect the entire population of military-aged men.

I believe that preserving legal certainty is essential, even during wartime. People must know that the law protects them and that exemptions cannot suddenly become meaningless. If society loses this trust, not only the present but also the postwar future will be in jeopardy.

How has the European Union responded to these aggressive actions? Do you see any change?

We have repeatedly made our concerns clear to the European Union—through plenary speeches and in a letter sent by the Fidesz–KDNP delegation to the European commissioner responsible for enlargement. We clearly stated that it is deeply troubling for a country seeking EU membership to employ violent recruitment practices affecting not only the Hungarian minority but Ukrainian society as a whole.

We had to wait more than two months for a response from the European Commission. This delay was particularly painful given that, during that time, our compatriot Zsolt Rebán lost his life. Many therefore concluded that the response came too late and that the Commission’s inaction had real life extinguishing consequences.

The substance of the Commission’s reply also raises serious questions. The commissioner indicated awareness of the problems and stated that they were being addressed in consultations with Ukraine’s human rights commissioner and authorities. He also emphasized that the EU accession process—particularly the fundamental rights chapter—could provide an appropriate framework for resolving these issues.

However, we believe the European Union has historically required candidate countries to address human rights deficiencies before accession negotiations advance. In Ukraine’s case, the logic appears reversed.

We are also concerned by the Commission’s approach of postponing solutions until after the relevant accession chapter is opened. Within the EU, minority protection is largely a national competence, meaning that the accession process is precisely the stage when EU institutions possess meaningful leverage. If progress is not achieved at this point, it will be far more difficult later.

We will therefore continue to raise awareness of these violations in every possible forum. It is essential that the rule of law and human rights standards apply equally to everyone in Ukraine. We expect the European Union and its member states to provide real answers and concrete action when such serious concerns are raised. Instead, the EU appears to prioritize geopolitical objectives over human and minority rights.

Today, the most important message is clear: the prolongation of the war is giving rise to ever more human tragedies. For the Hungarian community in Transcarpathia—and indeed for everyone living there—peace would be the only true solution. As Members of the European Parliament representing Fidesz–KDNP, together with Hungary’s national, patriotic government, we will continue to advocate for this position in every forum. We are convinced that this is the only way to bring an end to the destruction caused by war.

Cover photo: Viktoria Ferenc, Member of the European Parliament for Fidesz–KDNP (Photo: Mathieu Cugnot)