Chancellery Minister Warns against Escalating the War in Ukraine

Hungary does not want to continue to get involved in the war in Ukraine, is calling for a ceasefire and peace talks, and will not participate in arms transfers, the Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office said at his weekly press conference on Thursday.

Gergely Gulyás said that in recent weeks, more and more statements have been published that give cause for serious concern and point towards escalation.

He also confirmed that Hungary does not participate in arms transfers, but at the same time, it actively participates in all preparations by member states – concerning defense equipment and capacity building – which either strengthen NATO’s defense capabilities or serve to better equip the Hungarian army. Gulyás stressed that

Hungary, as part of the alliance, is fulfilling its responsibilities in strengthening NATO’s eastern wing, but in accordance with NATO’s constitution, it is doing so solely for defense purposes.

In response to a question about Britain’s plans to supply Ukraine with uranium shells, the minister said that this “does not lead to de-escalation,” and Hungary would not advise anyone to supply uranium-enriched weapons.

On the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Russian President Vladimir Putin, Gulyás said that the court’s statute is not part of the Hungarian legal order because it has not been promulgated, as it is contrary to the constitution. He noted that neither Russia nor the United States accepts the ICC’s jurisdiction.

Regarding Ukraine’s NATO and EU membership prospects, he said that the Ukrainians are not changing their education law that curbs the rights of national minorities, including Hungarians. The minister maintained that Hungary made it clear: there would be no membership and no negotiations until basic human rights standards in the use of EU languages were met. “Hungarian diplomacy has no other means,” he added.

Featured photo via Facebook/Magyar Honvédség