Pompeo urges Hungary to support Ukraine in countering Russian aggression

He stated this at a joint press conference with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in Budapest, the U.S. Department of State informed in a press statement on Monday.

“Today I spoke with the foreign minister about the urgent importance of supporting Ukraine in its quest for sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.

“We must not let Putin drive wedges between friends in NATO. Hungarians know all too well from their history that an authoritarian Russia will never be a friend to the freedom and sovereignty of smaller nations,“ Pompeo stressed.

The American diplomat also welcomed the fact that Hungary would be acquiring new defense capabilities from the United States. “These steps, together with Hungary’s commitment to spend 2 percent of GDP on defense and a strong presence in Afghanistan, strengthen Hungary’s and NATO’s security,“ he said.

“You need look no further than Ukraine, Hungary’s next-door neighbor, to see why this is needed,” Pompeo noted.

On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo began a visit to the countries of Central Europe. He also plans to visit Slovakia, Poland, Belgium and Iceland.