Hungary will continue to provide protection to Ukrainian men of military age

Hungary has said it will continue to provide protection to Ukrainian men of military age, despite new European Union rules. This includes, in particular, Ukrainians who are conscripted and who are leaving the country due to the war.

This was stated by Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar, TVP reports.

What the European Union has changed

In July, the EU Council extended temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens until March 4, 2028. At the same time, restrictions were introduced for citizens of military age who are not performing military service in Ukraine.

In particular, this concerns men who are conscripted and who have illegally crossed the Ukrainian border. Under the new rules, they may lose the opportunity to obtain the appropriate status in EU countries.

Hungary voted against this decision.

What is Budapest’s position?

According to Peter Magyar, Hungary will retain the right to provide protection to men who leave Ukraine because of the war.

He specifically highlighted the situation with ethnic Hungarians in Transcarpathia. According to him, about 100,000 representatives of the Hungarian community live in Ukraine.

The prime minister also said that he had discussed the issue with the President of the European Council, António Costa.

Magyar believes it is wrong to prevent people from leaving a country that is at war.

“Hungary will act differently and provide assistance to those who need it,” the prime minister said.