Hungary calls Russia "a threat to Europe and the global order" in UN guidance
New Hungarian foreign‑policy guidance for the UN delegation calls Russia a threat, reflecting a post‑election shift in Budapest.
Hungary has described Russia as "a threat to Europe and the global order" in new foreign-policy guidance prepared for its delegation attending the United Nations General Assembly next month, signalling a sharp shift in Budapest's stance since this year’s election.
The document states: "Hungary condemns Russian military aggression and fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. Russia's conduct represents a threat to Hungary, Europe and the global order."
From pro‑Russian tilt to a more pro‑European line
The language marks a clear departure from the policy associated with Viktor Orban; Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who defeated Orban in this year’s vote, leads a government that has taken a noticeably more pro‑European posture.
Relations between Budapest and Kyiv have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. On 19 August, Ukrainian official Andriy Sybiha praised Hungary’s closing of a money‑laundering inquiry into a convoy of bank vehicles and warned that "betting on anti‑Ukrainian rhetoric for domestic gain brings nothing other than political defeat and shame."
In March Hungarian authorities seized two banking vehicles travelling from Austria to Ukraine that were carrying a shipment of cash and gold valued at about $82 million, saying they were investigating a money‑laundering scheme.
Budapest also lifted a nine‑month ban on Ukrainian media that had been imposed by the previous Orban administration; Hungarian Minister for Social Relations and Culture Zoltan Tar wrote on Facebook on 19 June that the move was part of efforts to repair ties with Ukraine.
After the June agreement between Kyiv and Budapest removed a key obstacle, all 27 EU member states approved opening the first phase of accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova.
Separately, a dismissed Ukrainian defence minister has been quoted as saying: "Slowly we are losing the war, there are a few months left for a turnaround," reflecting concerns inside Kyiv about the conflict's trajectory.
Photo: Iks / @magyarpeterMP
