NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Budapest to discuss preparations for the upcoming Washington Summit. During their meeting, Stoltenberg commended Hungary for its commitment to Allied security, highlighting its leadership of a NATO multinational battlegroup, hosting of military headquarters, and contributions to the KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. He also praised Hungary for providing shelter to Ukrainian refugees and assisting in the rehabilitation of wounded Ukrainian soldiers since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Stoltenberg welcomed Orbán’s statement that Hungary will remain a dedicated and loyal NATO Ally.
Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of NATO’s role in coordinating and providing security assistance and training for Ukraine at the Washington Summit in July. He expects Allies to agree on a leading role for NATO in providing long-term financial support for military assistance to Ukraine. Despite Hungary’s decision not to participate in these efforts, Stoltenberg accepted Orbán’s position and appreciated Hungary’s assurance that it will not oppose these NATO initiatives. The Prime Minister confirmed that Hungary will continue to meet all of its NATO commitments in full, allowing other Allies to move forward with their support for Ukraine.
The meeting between Stoltenberg and Orbán highlighted the ongoing discussions within NATO regarding the alliance’s response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. While Hungary has chosen not to participate directly in NATO’s efforts to support Ukraine, it has pledged to continue meeting its NATO commitments and not to oppose the initiatives of other Allies. Stoltenberg’s acceptance of Hungary’s position demonstrates NATO’s commitment to maintaining unity and cooperation among its members, even when individual countries choose not to participate in specific initiatives.
Overall, the meeting between Stoltenberg and Orbán underscored the importance of solidarity and cooperation within NATO in addressing security challenges in the region. Despite differences in approach, Hungary’s commitment to Allied security and its contributions to NATO missions were acknowledged and appreciated by the Secretary General. The discussions also highlighted the need for NATO Allies to work together to provide support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing aggression, while respecting the decisions of individual member states regarding their level of involvement in specific initiatives.
