Orban announces NATO to build large bases close to Ukraine

(MENAFN) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has voiced opposition to NATO's intentions to establish significant military bases in Eastern Europe aimed at enhancing weapons deliveries to Ukraine. In an interview with Kossuth radio, Orban criticized NATO's strategy, highlighting Hungary's dissent as the sole NATO member opposing the initiative.

Orban expressed skepticism about NATO's approach, asserting that the alliance's focus on military solutions to the Ukraine conflict is misguided. He emphasized the need for a ceasefire and peaceful negotiations instead of escalating military actions. According to Orban, NATO plans to establish what he termed a 'Ukrainian mission', involving the coordination of weapon transfers from bases in Poland, Slovakia, and Romania—countries sharing borders with Ukraine.

Despite NATO's proposal, Orban stated that Hungary will not participate in this endeavor, citing concerns about potentially making Hungary a target for Russian military action. He emphasized Hungary's refusal to allocate funds or provide its territory for the initiative, reiterating that Hungary will abstain from any military actions outside Ukraine.

Orban's remarks follow recent proposals by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to significantly increase financial support for Ukraine while urging NATO members to enhance their commitments and ensure equitable burden-sharing within the alliance. The Hungarian leader's comments underscore divisions within NATO over the approach to supporting Ukraine amid ongoing conflict dynamics in Eastern Europe.

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