Hungary has decided not to impede NATO's military support to Ukraine, although it will also refrain from contributing, the alliance’s leader announced.

Following discussions with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg mentioned to the press in Budapest on Wednesday that he “accepts” Hungary’s decision not to engage in NATO's Ukrainian initiatives.

Orban, known for his close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin compared to other EU leaders, has continuously hindered the bloc's attempts to provide Kyiv with weapons and financial aid.

“Hungarian soldiers will not participate in these measures, and no Hungarian financial resources will be allocated for them,” Stoltenberg said.

“However, the prime minister has assured me that Hungary will not obstruct these efforts, allowing other allies to proceed, and he confirmed that Hungary will fully uphold its NATO obligations,” he continued.

The NATO leader mentioned that he and Orban had “arranged the specifics for Hungary’s non-involvement in NATO's support for Ukraine,” but did not elaborate further.

Consensus

Stoltenberg recently stated that NATO aims to ensure sustained military supplies to Kyiv and to create a 100-billion-euro ($108bn) fund for this purpose.

Nonetheless, Hungary quickly voiced its dissent.

NATO hopes to finalize an agreement on these proposals at an upcoming summit, with all decisions requiring approval from its 32 member states.

Western nations have expressed dissatisfaction with several of Hungary’s stances since the Ukraine war began, including its refusal to endorse certain EU sanctions against Russia or send military supplies to Ukraine.

Nationalist-populist Orban has stated he seeks to avoid letting the “geopolitical tensions” from the war harm Hungary’s ties with Russia, especially its strong energy connections.

The meeting on Wednesday occurred amid Western allies' efforts to enhance support for Ukraine, both diplomatically and militarily.

The United States is organizing a summit in Washington, DC, next month where fellow NATO members are expected to agree on a strategic plan for offering long-term support and military training to Ukraine’s military.

During a joint press conference with the presidents of Latvia and Poland in Riga, Latvia, on Tuesday, Stoltenberg expressed his desire for NATO allies to commit to a “long-term financial pledge” to Ukraine.

The alliance has been providing approximately 40 billion euros ($43bn) annually since Russia's invasion in February 2022.

“We must uphold this level of assistance for as long as necessary,” Stoltenberg said. “Consistent, long-term support sends a decisive message to President Putin that he cannot simply outlast us.”