Hungary condemns Russian aggression in major policy shift, backs Ukraine’s territorial integrity

The Hungarian government has officially condemned Russia's military aggression and expressed support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, according to foreign policy directives released late Tuesday by Budapest. This marks a sharp departure from the pro-Russian stance of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

“Russia’s actions pose a threat to Hungary, Europe, and the world order,” the document states. It also notes that Moscow is putting the Hungarian minority in Zakarpattia at “serious risk.”

The directives, signed by Prime Minister Peter Magyar, set out Budapest’s foreign policy priorities ahead of next month’s United Nations General Assembly in New York. “Hungary condemns Russian military aggression and fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. Budapest also recognizes Ukraine’s right to self-defense and supports negotiations aimed at achieving sustainable peace and long-term security guarantees,” the document reads.

Peter Magyar has gradually shifted Budapest’s foreign policy direction since removing Orban from power this spring. The new prime minister has begun rebuilding ties with Brussels and struck a deal that unblocked €16.4 billion in frozen European Union funds. Hungary has also lifted its veto on reimbursing EU member states for the cost of supplying arms to Ukraine.

Earlier in August, Magyar announced a review of Hungary’s agreement with Russia on the construction of the Paks-2 nuclear power plant, a key Orban-era project with Moscow. Orban signed the agreement with Russia’s Rosatom in 2014, with plans for up to €10 billion in Russian financing.

Despite this change in policy toward Russia, Magyar’s government continues to oppose fast-tracking Ukraine’s accession to the European Union and is working to slow down the negotiation process between Kyiv and Brussels. Foreign Minister Anita Orban has said that once talks are concluded, Hungary will hold a referendum so Hungarians can decide whether they agree to Ukraine joining the EU.