Hungary stands on the side of its allies, and maintaining the unity of the EU and NATO is of crucial importance, Gergely Gulyás underlined, adding that together with the two organizations, Hungary condemns the Russian attack. He also stated that it is vital to guarantee the security of Hungary and its citizens.
Hungary should not be drawn into this war; however, it is equally important that we continue to defend our own interests, he stressed.
We must preserve the objectives that are linked to economic relations with Russia, such as the purchase of natural gas, which allows for utility price cuts, he explained. Meanwhile, he continued, it is also crucial to maintain the unity of NATO and the EU during this period, and Hungary is naturally on the side of its Western allies. At the same time, it has to be made clear that Hungarian soldiers do not need to be involved in this conflict. Their task is to preserve the security of Hungary, he said.
Gergely Gulyás called it irresponsible that the opposition put its own power interests before the interests of the country, even in such a crisis situation. Demanding to supply arms and soldiers to Ukraine is irresponsible and ill-considered in this situation.
In his assessment, the government has done everything it can for peace. Now that Russia has attacked Ukraine, they will continue to do their utmost to restore peace as soon as possible and to ensure Hungary's security, he said. Gulyás also noted that Prime Minister Orbán will hold talks at the EU summit in Brussels this evening in hope of preserving the achievements of recent years.
On the recent gas supply deal, he said that Brussels will discuss the sanctions Europe intends to impose on Russia, emphasizing that there should be no sanctions in those areas where Europe stands to lose more, and the purchase of natural gas falls into this category.
On the humanitarian situation, he said that there are nearly 200,000 Hungarians living in Transcarpathia and Hungary is ready to provide them with protection.
Gulyás added that being the closest safe country in the conflict, Hungary is also prepared if the situation in Ukraine further deteriorates. The Ministry of Interior and the military have a plan ready for refugee resettlement, and the Hungarian government has an appropriate scenario for a refugee influx of any size.
Photo credit: MTI