By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Hungary’s prime minister said Wednesday he had agreed with the NATO military alliance chief that his nation won’t participate in the defense of Ukraine.
Viktor Orbán explained that in exchange for Hungary’s opt-out, his country would not block NATO military assistance to Ukraine, which tries to halt Russia’s invasion.
The long-time prime minister, seen as one of the most pro-Russia leaders within the alliance, spoke after what was described as “difficult talks” with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Budapest, the capital.
The Hungarian decision paved the way for the NATO countries to approve a plan under which the alliance would be involved in training Ukrainian troops as well as sending more weapons and money for its war effort.
Under the deal with Stoltenberg, no Hungarian personnel will participate in NATO’s plan to provide Ukraine with security assistance and training. Hungarian funds will also not be used.
“At the same time, the prime minister has assured me that Hungary will not oppose these efforts, enabling other allies to move forward,” Stoltenberg said, speaking alongside Orbán.
NATO COMMITMENTS
“And he has confirmed that Hungary will continue to meet all of its NATO commitments in full,” Stoltenberg added.
Orbán said that the recent European Parliament elections in which his Fidesz party won a narrow majority of the Hungarian mandates show that most Hungarians want peace.
There appeared some hope for Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who seeks to become the next secretary-general and has the support of most of the NATO 32 member states.
Orbán said his country would not block “any decision” made by NATO even if his nation would have rational reasons to oppose them.
So far, he had opposed Rutte, who in the past said he wanted to get “Hungary on its knees” due to rule-of-law concerns and alleged discrimination of the LGBTQ+ community.
The apparent breakthrough comes ahead of next month’s NATO summit in Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1999-2024 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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