Hungarian-Ukrainian and Hungarian-Russian Relations in the Context of the Russo-Ukraine War

Pásztor, Ladislav (2024) Hungarian-Ukrainian and Hungarian-Russian Relations in the Context of the Russo-Ukraine War. In: Security Forum 2024 : Conference Proceedings from the 17th Annual International Scientific Conference, February 7th-8th, 2024. Interpolis, Banská Bystrica, pp. 62-87. ISBN 9788069133013

Preview

Text PPT_16_2024_Hungarians_BEFO_2024.pdf - Published Version Download (10MB) | Preview

Abstract

On 24th February 2022, Russia launched a military invasion of Ukraine to topple the pro-Western Ukrainian government and install Moscow-aligned figures in power. However, this original goal of Russia's “special military operation” was not realised, leading instead to a prolonged attrition war between Russia and Ukraine, which has now lasted for nearly three years. While Russia has transitioned to a war economy and, in collaboration with countries like Iran and North Korea, it can resupply its stockpiles of munitions, drones, and some heavy armour, Ukraine remains largely dependent on support from democratic Western nations. During the conflict, Russia has significantly damaged Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, including defence industries. Western allies, led by the United States of America (USA), have provided Ukrainian forces with vital military equipment, supplies, and ammunition. They have also delivered financial aid to ensure the basic functioning of Ukraine’s economy, which is on the brink of collapse, and extended humanitarian assistance to Ukrainian war refugees, including simplified residency schemes and support for their integration into the societies and economies of host nations. While all Western countries provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine, some nations bordering or near Ukraine (such as Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria) have refused to provide military assistance or have done so minimally. Hungary has rejected all forms of military aid to Ukraine and has refused to allow the transfer of allied military assistance through its territory. Furthermore, Hungary has blocked financial support and loans to Ukraine and has vehemently opposed European Union and Western sanctions on Russia. This has led to frequent accusations from EU member states that Hungary is acting as an ally of Russia. There are also claims that Budapest is distancing itself from its Western allies, with some suggesting that Hungary hopes to annex part of Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region in the event of Ukraine’s collapse to mitigate its “Trianon trauma”. This paper aims to analyse Hungarian-Ukrainian and Hungarian-Russian relations since the end of the Cold War and the emergence of a multipolar global order dominated by the USA. The focus is on the political, military, and economic dimensions of cooperation between Hungary and Ukraine, as well as Hungary and Russia. The analysis will address two key questions: (1) Is Hungary a Russian ally? Furthermore, (2) Does Hungary support the breakup of Ukraine, and would it be feasible for any neighbouring country to annex parts of Ukraine?

Actions (login required)

Edit Item