Hungarian opposition politician Peter Magyar says he does not approve of military aid to Ukraine because of Hungary’s “difficult position in the war” but condemns Russian dictator Putin – Politico.
The Magyar, whose TISZA party came in second in the European Parliament elections, said he agreed with Viktor Orban’s government on the issue of not providing military assistance to Kyiv.
“We will not send troops or weapons to Ukraine from Hungary. You know what a difficult position Hungary is in in this war,” he said.
Magyar said that the admission of his party members to the European People’s Party faction, known for its pro-Ukrainian stance, does not contradict the ideas of TISZA.
The inclusion of new MEPs from Hungary in the group prompted another MEP from the Hungarian Christian Democratic People’s Party, György Helvényi, who ran on a joint list of candidates with MEPs from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party in the EU elections, to leave the ERP. The motive for this act, he said, was the “war doctrine” supported by the group.
The EPP leadership, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and party chairman Manfred Weber, made support for Ukraine a condition for the acceptance of any new MEPs to the EPP. Last week, Weber held direct talks with Magyar in Hungary.
“I think that the EPP understands the special, difficult situation that Hungary has found itself in this war. But of course, we will support the Ukrainian people in all other ways and instruments,” he assured.
The politician supported Ukraine’s right to self-defense, called Putin an aggressor, and said that Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty “must be protected internationally.”
In March, Magyar published an audio recording that showed a conspiracy in the government to protect corruption schemes. After that, Hungary was shaken by protests.
