What would happen in Hungary if Russia invaded Ukraine?

The situation is complicated, and it could affect Hungary as well. From Ukraine, it would be simple to get to neighbouring Hungarian territories. Some experts also say that a large number of people would seek refuge in a foreign country, fleeing Ukraine.

Hello Magyar wrote a report on the current situation of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. According to the news site, Russian troops could arrive in the Ukrainian capital city in 48 hours and get to the Hungarian border from there within 12 hours.

Read also: Hungary supports solution to Ukraine conflict through diplomacy

If an attack happened, about 50,000 civilians could die. The situation would cause a humanitarian crisis, with 5 million refugees seeking asylum in the West.

Meanwhile, Russia keeps sending troops to the border and even to Belarus. If Russia directly invaded Ukraine, 62,000 soldiers would participate in the combat, and thousands of others would be supporting the mission. Some people estimate that there are 100,000 Russians stationed close to the Ukrainian border.

Russia is seemingly becoming a strong ally of China.

The Russian and the Chinese presidents met before the Winter Olympics, reaffirmed their mutual grievances over the US-led international order, and issued a condemnation statement. The United States and its allies threatened Russia with sanctions on oil and gas export, and Russia made a deal with China in response.

In our former article, we reported on the discussions to deploy troops to Eastern European NATO countries to show support amidst the current threat of Russia invading Ukraine. Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary were considering accepting the incoming troops. However, not all NATO members approve the idea initiated by the United States and the United Kingdom, among other countries. The situation is complex since NATO rules state that troops can be deployed only if a member state is threatened. Ukraine is not a member state.

Péter Szijjártó, the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs, said in a Facebook video that it is in Hungary’s interest for Ukraine to be a strong and stable state. At the same time, according to the minister, it is also in Hungary’s interest that Ukraine stops its anti-Hungarian politics. He said that Hungarians remember the time of the cold war, and they do not want that psychosis to return to the area. Therefore, it is important to continue the conversation, Telex summarised. Hungary prefers having a dialogue and does not seem to wish to engage in conflict.

A few weeks ago, Portfolio wrote that Hungary is unlikely to openly interfere with military actions. One thing that could happen is that Hungary would help Ukraine with logistics, food transport, or healthcare. The portal also mentioned that the United States may send troops over to the area. Commerce with Russia could be put on hold, and refugees – including the Hungarian minority in Ukraine – could leave the country and seek refuge. The situation is complicated, and things could change at any minute.

Source: Hello Magyar, DNH, Telex, Portfolio