Hungary has described Russia as a "threat to Hungary, Europe and the global order" in official instructions for the delegation that will attend the United Nations General Assembly next month, German magazine Der Spiegel reports.
The document states that Hungary condemns Russian military aggression and supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
This stance represents a sharp change in Budapest's policy towards Moscow, following the coming to power of Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who defeated Viktor Orban, known for his close relations with Russia, in this year's elections.
The new Hungarian government has followed a more pro-European Union course, while in recent weeks steps have been taken to improve relations between Budapest and Kiev.
On August 19, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha welcomed Hungary's decision to close a money laundering investigation into several Ukrainian bank vehicles. In March, Hungarian authorities seized two bank vehicles traveling from Austria to Ukraine, which were carrying cash and gold worth about $82 million.
Changes have also been made in the media sphere. The new Hungarian government has officially lifted a nine-month ban on a Ukrainian media outlet, imposed by the previous administration of Viktor Orban, as part of efforts to improve relations with Kiev.
Budapest's change in stance towards Moscow comes at a time when relations between the EU, Ukraine and Russia remain one of the main issues of European politics.
