Hungarian Government Declares Russia a Threat

Break with the line of the previous government

The new tone marks a break with the line of the previous government under Viktor Orbán, who had repeatedly portrayed Moscow as a partner and spoken out against arms deliveries to Kyiv. The Magyar government took office in May, after winning the preceding parliamentary election.

In the program, the government also points to Hungary's membership in the European Union and in NATO. Both alliances continue to form the framework for its own security policy, it states. Russia must adhere to the principles of the United Nations.

Embedding within the EU and NATO

On the domestic policy front, the government justifies the course change with an altered threat situation in Eastern Europe since the beginning of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The previous policy had led Hungary into foreign policy isolation, the government writes in the draft.

Opposition politicians reacted cautiously. While some welcomed the clear designation of Russia as a threat, critics pointed out that concrete steps—such as an end to Hungarian business with Russian energy corporations—were still lacking. The stance on EU sanctions also remains to be seen.

Internationally, the realignment met with a positive response. Diplomats in Brussels assessed the passage as a signal that Budapest could in future stand more united behind common European positions. Confirmation from Kyiv was not initially available.

Reactions and outlook

The government announced that it would put the government program to a vote in parliament in the coming weeks. Observers expect a broad debate over the future direction of Hungarian foreign and security policy.

With the explicit condemnation of Russian aggression, Budapest is moving closer to the line of most EU member states. At the same time, the government emphasizes that it intends to remain open to dialogue should Moscow create the preconditions for it.