Hungary formally identifies Russia as threat, backs Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders

The position is set out in new foreign policy guidelines signed by Prime Minister Péter Magyar for Hungary’s delegation to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, according to Hungarian outlet Index and Germany’s Der Spiegel. The document was published in Hungary’s official gazette.

“Russia’s conduct poses a threat to Hungary, Europe and the global order,” the guidelines state. They also say Russia’s actions seriously endanger the ethnic Hungarian minority living in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia Oblast.

Hungary “condemns Russian military aggression and fully supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and its territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders,” according to the document. Budapest also supports efforts to launch negotiations aimed at achieving a sustainable peace and long-term security guarantees.

The guidelines formally cement a major foreign policy shift following the end of Viktor Orbán’s tenure as prime minister.

Under Orbán, Hungary repeatedly obstructed or delayed European Union measures supporting Ukraine and sanctions against Russia, while maintaining close relations with Moscow. Orbán had also argued that the real threat facing Hungary came not from Russia but from the European Union.

Magyar had signaled a change in Hungary’s approach toward Ukraine after taking office. The new UN guidelines now put that shift into formal government policy.