Survey: 98% of Hungarians want to stay out of military conflict

Footage of the Military Conflict in Kyiv Photo: MTI/AP/Emilio Morenatti

Csaba Dömötör, state secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, on Saturday said that Péter Márki-Zay, the prime ministerial candidate of the united opposition, confirmed “he would send weapons to the Ukrainian theatre” in a German newspaper.

In a video message posted on Facebook, Dömötör called the remarks a “grave irresponsibility”.

“We are concerned for Ukraine, the prime minister has condemned Russia’s military operation, but we have a fundamental interest in peace,” Dömötör said.

“We must do everything we can to ensure the security of Hungary and the Hungarian people,” he added.

He called on “every public figure” in Hungary to refrain from making “irresponsible statements that pose a danger in the current situation”.

Read also: Hungarian FM met with UN leaders in New York to urge peace negotiations

Meanwhile Hungary’s security is a priority for most of its citizens, as nine out of ten believe the country should not be dragged into an armed conflict, Századvég Foundation said on Sunday, revealing the results of its latest survey of public opinion.

The survey, conducted after the launch of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, shows “social consensus on Hungary staying out of the war”, Századvég said.

Around 98 percent of respondents said every effort must be made to keep Hungary out of the armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Just 1pc supported Hungary’s participation in the war.