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Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s statement on Facebook following a meeting of the National Security Operational Group

24 February 2022, Budapest

This morning Russia launched a military attack on Ukraine. We therefore convened the National Security Operational Group. Together with our allies from the European Union and NATO, we condemn Russia’s military intervention. Later today we will hold an emergency summit in Brussels. From what I can see, it will be possible to maintain European unity and decide on joint action. Hungary must not be drawn into this military conflict because for us the number one priority is the security of the Hungarian people. Therefore, either deploying military personnel or sending military equipment to Ukraine is out of the question. We shall naturally provide humanitarian assistance, however. We are also unable to accept proposals from the Left that would jeopardise Hungary’s energy and gas supplies, and that would jeopardise the reductions in families’ household utility bills. Hungarian military detachments and designated police units have started work in the vicinity of the Ukrainian-Hungarian border. After today’s military attack, we can expect to see a rise in the number of Ukrainian nationals arriving in Hungary, who will presumably be seeking asylum. We have made preparations for their care, and we will be able to meet this challenge swiftly and effectively. Everything else for today will be said from Brussels late this evening.