Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced on Friday that Hungary intends to opt out of any NATO operations aimed at aiding Ukraine, expressing concerns that the military alliance and the European Union were edging towards direct confrontation with Russia.
Orbán conveyed Hungary’s opposition to NATO’s proposal of offering more consistent military assistance to Ukraine over the next few years to counter Russia’s extensive invasion, amid reports of Russian forces strengthening their control on the battleground.
Orbán reiterated Hungary’s disapproval and refusal to provide financial or arms support to Ukraine, even within NATO’s framework.
He emphasised Hungary’s stance as a “nonparticipant” in any prospective NATO operations aimed at aiding Kyiv.
Orbán highlighted ongoing efforts to redefine Hungary’s position within the military alliance, with legal and military experts exploring options for Hungary to maintain its NATO membership while abstaining from engagements outside its borders.
Orbán, known as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest ally in the EU, reiterated NATO’s defensive nature and expressed his disagreement with the concerns of some Central and Eastern European nations regarding Russia’s potential to continue aggression post-Ukraine conflict.
He emphasised NATO’s superior strength compared to Ukraine and dismissed the idea of Russia expanding its aggression beyond Ukraine to the entire Western world.
In contrast to most EU nations, Hungary has declined to provide military assistance to neighbouring Ukraine. Orbán has staunchly opposed the EU’s sanctions on Moscow, although Hungary ultimately voted in favour of them.
As he prepares for the European Parliament election, Orbán has positioned his party as a promoter of regional peace.
He has criticised the United States and certain EU members advocating for increased support to Ukraine as “pro-war,” accusing them of preparing for a global conflict.
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