Russia welcomes Hungary's refusal to send weapons to Ukraine

Moscow - Russian government spokesperson Dmitry Peskov welcomed Hungary’s refusal to provide military aid to Ukraine, stating that peace would be achieved more quickly if other nations took similar steps. During a press conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Thursday (28 May), Peskov praised Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s statement that Hungary would not supply weapons or military equipment to Ukraine. ‘If all nations made such a decision, peace would arrive sooner,’ Peskov said. He added that every refusal to ‘pour gasoline on the fire’ deserved support. Magyar had previously written on social media after a NATO meeting that Hungary remains a reliable partner but will not supply weapons or military equipment to Ukraine. Peskov also welcomed reports of European officials seeking to restore contact with Russia. He said dialogue remains crucial despite strained Russia-EU relations. ‘The greatest folly committed by Europeans and EU officials in Brussels is completely rejecting any dialogue with Russia,’ he stated. Ahead of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) summit in Astana, Peskov said member states welcomed Uzbekistan’s growing interest in the economic bloc. He added that closer cooperation could benefit Uzbekistan’s economy and contribute to regional development. Peskov also mentioned that Russia has not yet received a response from Armenia regarding plans to temporarily restrict imports of certain Armenian agricultural products. Russia’s agricultural watchdog had announced that, from Friday, it would impose temporary restrictions on imports of some fruits and vegetables from Armenia due to repeated phytosanitary violations. He added no separate meeting was scheduled between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan during the EAEU summit, though informal contact may occur during the event.