Hungary says it is ‘closing the door’ to Russia

Hungary distances himself from Russia and working to strengthen relations with its Western partners, Defense Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi said, describing the change as a strategic shift in the country’s foreign and security policy under the government of Prime Minister Peter Magyar.

Speaking at a conference on July 14, Ruszin-Szendi declared that “we close the door in the face of the Russians”, arguing that HungaryDecisions must be guided by “the interests and values ​​of the nation and allies”. He said rebuilding trust with allied countries had become a priority, stressing that HungaryThe long-term interests of the European Union are aligned with those of its European and transatlantic partners.

According to the Defense Minister, Moscow tried to maintain its influence despite Budapest’s change in policy. “Now that Hungary moved away from Moscow, RussiaThe Secret Service tried to enter through the back door,” he said, warning that the country must remain vigilant against such efforts.

The comments reflect a marked departure from the approach of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose government was widely seen as one of the Kremlin’s closest partners in the European Union. Under Magyar rule, Budapest adopted a more pro-European orientation while seeking to restore trust among its allies.

Ruszin-Szendi said HungaryUkraine’s security priorities are currently focused on Russiathe war against Ukraine and the conflict involving the United States and Iran. While the new government has adopted a more constructive stance towards Ukraine and the European Union, it has also maintained a cautious approach on several key issues.

Recent decisions highlight this balance. In June, Hungary lifted the nine-month ban on Ukrainian media imposed by the previous administration, a move presented as part of broader efforts to improve relations with kyiv. At the same time, Prime Minister Peter Magyar urged other EU leaders to slow the pace of Ukraine’s accession process, arguing that the bloc should take a more measured approach to enlargement.