Hungary will not participate in security assistance or training for Ukraine
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban shake hands after their joint press conference in the Prime Minister's office in Budapest on June 12, 2024. | Attila Kisbenedek/AFP via Getty Images
Hungary will not participate in NATO’s efforts to provide security assistance and training for Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed on Wednesday.
Hungary Prime Minister Orban’s stance
“Prime Minister Viktor Orban has made it clear that Hungary will not participate in NATO efforts and I accept this position,” Stoltenberg said following a meeting with Orban in Budapest.
“I am glad that we agreed on modalities for Hungary’s non-participation in NATO’s support to Ukraine. No Hungarian personnel will take part in these activities and no Hungarian fence will be used to support them.”
Stoltenberg emphasized that Orban assured him Hungary will not oppose NATO’s efforts in Ukraine and will continue to meet all of its NATO commitments.
Orban’s assurance to it’s voters
Orban highlighted that Hungary’s position differs from other NATO member countries. “Our voters reinforced the government’s decision not to be involved in any operation related to the Russia-Ukraine war,” he said. “Let us rejoice that this discussion today concluded with an agreement. Hungary will neither provide funds nor personnel for this war, nor will the territory of Hungary be used for any involvement in this war.”
