The Effects of the Russia–Ukraine War on Hungary

Abstract

Compared to the reactions to the Russia–Ukraine war’s escalation in February 2022, witnessed and experienced across most Central European countries, the Hungarian government’s answers had been distinct in many ways. This outlier’s position stems from a different perception of the geostrategic shift that is taking place, and domestic politics’ specificities. This analysis offers a fact-based overview of the political, economic and military responses given throughout 2022-2023, striving to explain the possible reasons for the distinctiveness, with an evaluative stance towards official government narratives.