Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar delivered one of his clearest statements yet on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine during the second day of the NATO summit in Ankara, declaring that “Ukraine is the victim, Russia the brutal aggressor.”
Speaking alongside other NATO leaders, Magyar stressed that Hungary would continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine but would not supply military aid or weapons, Telex reports. At the same time, he said there was no question that Ukraine has the right to defend its territorial integrity against Russian aggression.
Bilateral meeting with Zelensky planned
During the summit, the Hungarian prime minister held a brief conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The two leaders agreed to hold a formal bilateral meeting in the near future.
The talks follow the recent agreement between Hungary and Ukraine on safeguarding the rights of the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia. The deal guarantees the continuation of Hungarian-language education, as well as the use of Hungarian national symbols and the Hungarian language in official settings in areas with significant Hungarian communities.
Although no date has been confirmed, Magyar said he would favour holding the meeting in Berehove (Beregszász), an idea that the Ukrainian side has reportedly not ruled out.
Hungary backs higher NATO defence spending
Addressing NATO’s future, Magyar reiterated that Hungary remains a reliable ally committed to meeting the alliance’s long-term defence targets.
He confirmed that Hungary intends to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, in line with NATO’s newly agreed objectives aimed at strengthening the alliance’s collective security.
NATO leaders express confidence despite Trump concerns
Before the summit, several leaders were asked about Donald Trump, whose previous criticism of transatlantic cooperation had fuelled speculation ahead of the meeting.
Despite those concerns, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte struck an optimistic tone, saying Trump remains committed to NATO because the alliance is essential for nuclear security across the transatlantic region and the Arctic.
Rutte also acknowledged that European member states must increase defence spending, describing Washington’s expectations as understandable.
“One billion people live in NATO countries. This is a defensive alliance that attacks no one, but it will defend its democratic values and every square centimetre of its territory. Don’t mess with us,” he said, in remarks also directed towards Russia.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed that assessment, noting that calls for higher defence spending predate Trump and were also made during the administration of former US President Barack Obama. He added that Canada plans to raise defence expenditure to 4% of GDP.
Meanwhile, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten highlighted the need to strengthen both defence spending and Europe’s defence industry in close cooperation with the United States.
Denmark: “Greenland is not for sale”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was also questioned about Greenland following renewed comments by Trump regarding the Arctic territory.
“Greenland is not for sale,” Frederiksen said, insisting that Denmark’s territorial integrity and sovereignty must be respected.
She emphasised the need for a stronger NATO and underlined the importance of the alliance’s collective defence clause, Article 5, warning that Russia continues to wage hybrid warfare beyond NATO’s eastern borders.
If you missed it: Manfred Weber backs PM Magyar’s reforms, saying Hungarian voters gave him a clear mandate for change
Peti the idiot has offered his moral compass at the waste collection as well.
I found someone more idiot than Steiner guys, here he is Thomos 😂😂😂
Go back to your cave
Do you want now a present, too be the best clown of the day