Hungary voices solidarity with Ukraine in face of Russian attack

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - Hungary on Thursday voiced solidarity with Ukraine after Russia began a long-feared military intervention hours earlier.

"Unfortunately, the worst-case scenario, which is war, has happened and even the diplomatic efforts of the largest and strongest countries could not prevent it," Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in a video message on Facebook.

"Hungary's position is clear," he added. "We stand for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty."

He added that Budapest will continue to take part in all talks of the allied countries on decisions for a coordinated response.

Saying that Hungary's representations in Ukraine, including the embassy in Kyiv, will remain open to guarantee the safety of Hungarians in the country, he urged all citizens currently in eastern or central Ukraine to contact the embassy.

Szijjarto also said he had spoken with Hungary's Ambassador to Ukraine Istvan Ijgyarto, who told him central Ukraine was as yet free of conflict.

The Ukrainian National Guard has doubled its force protecting the embassy, and all the staffers are safe, Ijgyarto added.

Russia is using weapons and missiles to target key areas in cities, according to reports.

Early Thursday, explosions were reported in several Ukrainian provinces, including the capital Kyiv, and military vehicles reportedly crossed the border from Belarus into Ukraine.

Russia’s intervention came just days after it recognized two separatist-held enclaves in eastern Ukraine, drawing international condemnation and threats of tougher sanctions on Moscow.

In recent months Russia had amassed over 100,000 troops around Ukraine, but President Vladimir Putin repeatedly denied any intention of invading.