Will Hungary take sides if Russia attacks Ukraine?
Even though Hungarian minorities in Ukraine would be affected in case of a war or invasion, Hungary will probably not help with weapons if Russia attacks Ukraine. However, sanctions against Russia could be accepted.
Hungary has built a good relationship with Russia over the years, and a close economic tie is in place. If Hungary has to choose between Ukraine and Russia, Hungary will take side with Russia. Of course, as always, there could be exceptions. Such instances could occur if a case involved the European Union or NATO. If this happened, the Hungarian prime minister would not turn his back on the country’s allies. – writes hvg.hu.
Another important aspect of the current situation is that there is a significant Hungarian minority living in Ukraine.
This has been a subject of conversations and issues since 1989, but Hungary has been using different rhetoric since 2018. The Hungarian state is more confrontative in their tone when they talk about protecting and supporting the minority groups.
Migration could be an issue as well. Many Hungarians are working in the military in Ukraine, thus they would be also affected. Other people could flee Ukraine in the hope to find a new, safer home. These people could be Hungarians or those who do not want to join the military. Many Ukrainian people work in Hungary, and they are likely to bring their families over to the country. If gas pipes closed, that would affect Hungary as well. Whereas the country has not bought gas from Ukraine since 2021, in Austria an amount of gas from Ukraine gets into the conduit as well.
Hungary, however, will not get confrontational with Russia to support Ukraine.
The most likely scenario is that Hungary would support Ukrainian soldiers by providing healthcare and hospitalisation. If the European Union introduces new sanctions against Russia, Hungary will not agree but will not veto them. As Daily News Hungary reported, the Hungarian Armed Forces can guarantee the security of Hungarians. Lieutenant General Romulusz Ruszin-made a recent visit to Washington DC and talked with Chief of Staff General Mark Milley to discuss all scenarios that might happen. Hungarian Armed Forces are prepared to defend the country, and “will demonstrate their preparedness in exercises before the public and [NATO] leaders”. Read more about the topic HERE.
Source: hvg.hu, DNH