Hungary has called Russia a threat to Europe
Hungary has officially designated Russia as a threat to its own security, to Europe, and to the international order. Péter Magyar’s government also expressed its support for Ukraine, its sovereignty, and its right to self-defense.
Hungary has taken a significant step in its policy toward Russia. Budapest’s new position is set forth in the official instructions for the Hungarian delegation to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. The document was published in the “Hungarian Gazette.” It was signed by Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar.
The document explicitly states that Hungary condemns Russian aggression against Ukraine. Budapest also reaffirms its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Separately, the Hungarian government recognizes Ukraine’s right to self-defense. This means that the country’s official position acknowledges Kyiv’s right to defend itself against the Russian invasion.
Another important part of the document concerns Russia itself. It states that Moscow’s actions pose a threat not only to Hungary but also to European security and the international order. “Russia’s actions pose a threat to Hungary, Europe, and the international order,” the document states. Budapest also drew attention to the situation of the Hungarian minority living in Transcarpathia. According to the document, Russian aggression poses serious risks to this community as well.
At the same time, the Hungarian government expressed its support for diplomatic efforts aimed at initiating negotiations between the parties. The goal of such negotiations is to achieve lasting peace and establish long-term security guarantees. Thus, in the new document, Budapest simultaneously reaffirms its support for Ukraine and advocates for negotiations to end the war. At the same time, Russia is explicitly named as a threat to European security.
This position is significant against the backdrop of ongoing disputes over Hungary’s policy toward Russia and Ukraine. Previously, the Hungarian government had repeatedly opposed certain EU decisions regarding support for Kyiv and sanctions against Moscow. After winning the parliamentary elections, Péter Magyar also publicly stated that Russia poses a threat to Europe. Now this assessment has been officially reflected in a document that defines the position of the Hungarian delegation to the UN.
At the same time, the ultimate significance of Budapest’s new position will depend on how exactly the Hungarian government implements these statements on the international stage. The very fact that such wording has appeared in a government document indicates a noticeable shift in Hungary’s rhetoric regarding Russia and the war against Ukraine. This was reported by the “Hungarian Herald.”
On Monday, August 24, a Gripen fighter jet belonging to the Hungarian Armed Forces crashed near the Hungarian city of Szolnok. The cause of the crash is currently unknown.
