"The Hungarian government’s position is clear: in the war, Ukraine is the victim, Russia is the aggressor, and Ukraine has the right to defend its territorial integrity," Magyar said.

He added that Hungary will continue to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine, but will not supply weapons or send troops to the country.

Hungarian voters "gave a clear mandate" to the Tisza Party in April, the prime minister said, adding that "Hungarians believe in NATO's strength and unity, and it is in our shared interest that NATO remains united."

"We are committed to making Hungary a reliable ally again," he said.

The Hungarian government has passed a decision to increase the country's defence spending in a reliable way to reach 5 percent of GDP by 2035, the prime minister said.

In a video later posted on Facebook, Magyar said that during his brief discussion with Zelensky, they agreed that their meeting would take place either in Budapest or Kyiv, and afterwards they would travel together to Berehove (Beregszasz) in Transcarpathia.

Regarding the summit itself, Magyar said it began with an informal dinner on Tuesday. On Wednesday morning, he held separate meetings with the prime ministers of Montenegro, Norway, and Canada, he said.
 

Magyar and the Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic discussed the EU accession of Western Balkan countries. Montenegro is one of the most advanced candidate countries, and they hope to join the European Union next year, Magyar said.

There are important Hungarian investments in Montenegro and other Western Balkan countries, Magyar said, adding that he and Spajic agreed on mutual support.

NATO's plenary session on Wednesday morning will begin with an introduction by the NATO secretary-general, followed by a speech by US President Donald Trump, and then statements by member states, Magyar said.

Member states are expected to adopt a declaration on the 70 billion euro financial support for Ukraine, he said, adding that participation in the funding will "once again" be voluntary. 

"Just as Hungary and Slovakia previously opted out of the EU credit framework for Ukraine, here too it will be the sovereign decision of the member states whether to join this support scheme."

"I have made it clear to everyone here in Ankara, and I will make it clear again at the plenary session, that Hungary will continue to support Ukraine with all kinds of humanitarian tools, but will not provide weapons, troops, or any kind of military support," he said.

Regarding the suspension of the broadcast of Hungarian public media on Tuesday, Magyar said that he was pleased to see that state television "probably broke viewing records" when, symbolically at 19:56, 70 years after the revolution, broadcasting resumed with the films Witness and Time Stands Still.

"We are living in historic times," the prime minister said, urging everyone to watch the broadcasts of the "now free and independent" state television.

MTI Stock Photo

Source: MTI – Hungary’s national news agency since 1881.

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