Hungary Will Not Block NATO’s Enhanced Support for Ukraine, Opts Out of Participation
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced that Hungary will neither block nor participate in NATO’s increased support for Ukraine. This decision comes as Stoltenberg seeks to solidify backing ahead of a crucial summit in Washington next month.
“At the summit, I expect allies will agree on NATO taking a leading role in coordinating and providing security assistance and training for Ukraine. Additionally, I anticipate a long-term financial commitment to military support,” Stoltenberg said during a press briefing in Budapest.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban confirmed Hungary’s stance, stating that the country has secured a guarantee to abstain from out-of-area operations. In return, Hungary will not veto NATO’s expanded military aid for Ukraine.
“The prime minister has assured me that Hungary will not oppose these efforts, enabling other allies to move forward. Hungary will meet all its NATO commitments in full,” Stoltenberg added.
NATO decisions require unanimous consensus, giving each member a veto power. Although Ukraine cannot join NATO during active conflict on its territory, the alliance views Russia as a significant threat to European security. Despite Hungary’s relatively friendly ties with Russia and its reluctance to support Ukraine militarily, this agreement marks a crucial step in maintaining alliance unity.
Orban’s recent victory in the EU elections reinforces his administration’s nationalist stance and his self-proclaimed role as a peacemaker, campaigning against Europe’s perceived march towards war. Meanwhile, some NATO members, including the U.S. and Germany, have eased restrictions on defensive weapons provided to Ukraine, reflecting ongoing tensions and the complex dynamics within the alliance.