Bruch mit den Vorgängern: Ungarns neue Regierung stuft Russland als „Bedrohung“ ein

Hungary's newly elected government, which took office in May, has classified Russia as a "threat", according to a document submitted to the United Nations General Assembly. The document, signed by Prime Minister Peter Magyar and published in Hungary's official gazette late on Tuesday, marks a stark departure from the foreign policy of the previous government led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

The Orban administration had generally taken a more conciliatory stance towards Russia, diluting or hindering EU sanctions against the country and fueling propaganda campaigns against Ukraine. The new Hungarian document, which outlines guidelines for Hungary's UN delegation in September, states that "Hungary condemns Russian military aggression and fully supports Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders."

Hungary recognizes its eastern neighbor's right to self-defense. "Russia's behavior poses a threat to Hungary, Europe, and the global order," the document adds. Budapest supports all efforts that lead to negotiations on "lasting peace and long-term security guarantees" for Ukraine. The Magyar government had already signaled a shift away from Orban's foreign policy after the government change, a move that had drawn criticism within the EU.

In bilateral talks with Ukraine, the Hungarian government addressed most of the contentious issues in relations with the neighboring country, including rights for the Hungarian minority in the Ukrainian border region of Transcarpathia. Unlike other NATO members, Hungary under Magyar continues to abstain from providing weapons to Ukraine. Hungary also opposes accelerating the country's accession to the EU.