Hungary opposes 100 billion euros in NATO funding for Ukraine
On NATO's plans to provide 100 billion euros to Ukraine over the next 5 years, Hungary's foreign minister said they would "stay away from this madness"
On May 2, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said Budapest was opposing NATO's five-year €100 billion ($107 billion) plan to fund Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, RT reported.
Szijjarto revealed the draft was presented to member states by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg earlier this week.
Speaking to Hungarian radio M1, Szijjarto said NATO member states on April 30 had received a proposal from Stoltenberg to mobilize the 100 billion euros NATO plans to spend on hostilities.
The reason Hungary is angry with the EU and hinders Ukraine
According to the Hungarian foreign minister, this money was raised over 5 years, meaning that NATO expects fighting to continue during this period.
Szijjarto stressed that Budapest would oppose the initiative and that Hungary had no plans to participate in arms aid to or train Kiev's troops.
"In the coming weeks, during the negotiations, we will fight for Hungary to have the right to get away from this madness, to mobilize 100 billion euros and move them out of Europe," the foreign minister stressed.
Szijjarto also explained that Budapest prioritizes the security of its people before anything else and will do its best to "stay out of war," adding that Hungary's position remains that the conflict can only be resolved through negotiations.
"We cannot ignore the threat of a new world war and preparations for a nuclear war. This madness in Europe must be stopped," Szijjarto stressed.
Many NATO countries increase defense spending
Speaking to a radio station on May 3, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Hungary would need to increase defense spending further next year if neighboring Ukraine's war is dragged on until 2025, and that would reduce funding for other items.
According to Reuters news agency, the outbreak of Russia-Ukraine hostilities in 2022 has prompted many North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries to increase their defense spending. Poland led the increase in spending, with defense spending doubling to 3.9% of total economic output (or GDP) by 2023, compared with NATO countries' pledge to spend 2% of GDP on defense.
While strongly opposed to Western financial and military support for Ukraine over fears of conflict spilling over into Europe, Hungary has also sharply increased its defense spending, to 2.43% of GDP last year.
"If hostilities last until 2025, then the level of defense spending in 2023-2024 will not be enough, and will have to increase," Orban said.
