In a recent interview with Kossuth Radio, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced that Hungary is looking to redefine its membership in NATO in order to ensure that the country cannot be involved in operations outside of the military alliance's territory. Orbán referred to a new term, "non-participation," which he said accurately describes Hungary's current position within NATO.

Orbán explained that if Hungary were to become "opt-outs," their participation in NATO's military structure would be altered. He stated that lawyers are currently working on finding a way for Hungary to remain a member of NATO without participating in the alliance's actions outside of NATO territory.

The Hungarian Prime Minister emphasized that NATO should not become involved in conflicts outside its jurisdiction with non-NATO countries. He argued that it is crucial to maintain a clear distinction between NATO's role and responsibilities within its own territory and engagements beyond its borders.

Orbán's stance on Hungary's relationship with Russia was also highlighted in the interview. Despite maintaining close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Orbán expressed his belief that Russia would not attack the West. He stated that NATO's strength vastly surpasses that of Ukraine, making it illogical to assume Russia would engage in a military conflict with the Western world.

Hungary's reluctance to support Ukraine in the face of Russia's invasion has caused delays in EU decisions regarding support for Kyiv. As these decisions require the consensus of all 27 EU countries, Hungary's position has been a significant factor in the bloc's response to the crisis.

Orbán criticized the EU's approach, questioning how much more support Hungary should provide in terms of weapons and financial aid. He raised concerns about the increasing preparations for a direct military conflict in Europe and warned against such developments.

Furthermore, the Hungarian Prime Minister's alignment with former U.S. President Donald Trump has raised concerns among certain EU capitals. There are fears that if Trump were to be reelected, Orbán might support a potential initiative to end the Ukraine conflict through a peace deal with Moscow, potentially involving territorial concessions.

Meanwhile, Hungary's upcoming presidency of the Council of the EU in July grants Budapest significant influence over the agenda-setting process within the bloc.

In the coming weeks, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó is expected to provide further insights on Hungary's position during the upcoming meetings in Prague. As the debate around Hungary's redefined membership in NATO continues, European leaders will closely monitor Budapest's actions and statements to gauge the potential impact on the alliance and security dynamics within the region.