Hungary Rejects EU Military Training Mission, Sanctions on Russia

Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced the country's firm opposition to the European Union's proposed military training mission within Ukraine, emphasizing that such actions could escalate the conflict. He reiterated that Hungary will not support sanctions on Russian energy imports, reflecting the government's cautious stance towards the ongoing war and its desire to maintain energy relations with Russia. Szijjarto noted that the EU plans to provide up to 40 billion euros in arms aid to Ukraine this year, but Hungary has blocked mandatory contributions, maintaining that assistance should remain voluntary. The minister also mentioned that Hungary distances itself from the EU's military advisory missions, asserting that these should only take place outside Ukraine. This position underscores Hungary's broader strategy to prioritize peace and avoid further escalation in the region. The remarks were made after a recent EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg.