FM: Hungary to oppose military aid for Ukraine at EU meeting

Hungary is set to oppose the continuation of military aid to Ukraine using European taxpayers' money at the upcoming meeting of the EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

This announcement was made by Hungarian Foreign Affairs and External Economic Relations Minister Péter Szijjártó, who is travelling to the Belgian capital for discussions with EU counterparts, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“There will be several proposals on the agenda in Brussels today to provide Ukraine with billions more euros or weapons with European taxpayers' money. We are travelling to Brussels to oppose the proposals aimed at supporting military action and to contribute to the success of peace talks,” Szijjártó wrote on Facebook.

The Hungarian minister has expressed concerns that Brussels is becoming internationally isolated due to the stance of "liberal pro-war European politicians" who, according to him, are constantly working to undermine peace talks between Russia and the United States that aim to resolve the Ukrainian conflict.

The Hungarian government has consistently voiced support for peace talks, considering them the only viable path to peace in Ukraine. Szijjártó emphasized Hungary's position that dialogue, not further military escalation, is essential to ending the crisis.

In a related development, earlier reports from POLITICO revealed that Hungary had shifted its position on the extension of the European Union's anti-Russian sanctions, which were due to expire in January. This change followed a phone conversation between Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Initially, Hungary had threatened to veto the routine renewal of the sanctions, citing concerns about the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House. However, an unexpected development occurred when Trump indicated he would impose even stricter measures on Russia, which led Hungary to soften its opposition.

According to two senior officials who spoke to POLITICO on condition of anonymity, US diplomatic pressure played a crucial role in persuading Hungary to withdraw its objections, ensuring the extension of the sanctions and the continuation of frozen Russian assets and trade embargoes.

When approached for comment, the Hungarian Foreign Ministry declined to provide any clarification on the matter.

Despite this shift, Trump’s future actions could still present challenges to the EU’s sanctions strategy. Should the former president alter his approach and offer to ease restrictions in direct talks with Russia, it could weaken the EU’s leverage.

By Tamilla Hasanova