Hungary has decided to continue accepting Ukrainian men of draft age

Hungary will continue to provide protection for men of draft age who are leaving Ukraine. The government of the country has reserved the right to grant them the appropriate status despite a different approach agreed upon at the EU level. This was stated by the Prime Minister of Hungary, Peter Szijjarto, reports the Hungarian state agency MTI.

The decision is primarily related to ethnic Hungarians from Transcarpathia. At the same time, the statement of the Hungarian authorities does not change Ukrainian rules for leaving the country for military conscripts.

What protection will Hungary provide to Ukrainian men in 2026

Szijjarto stated that Hungary voted against the EU decision to limit protection for Ukrainian men of draft age. After that, the Hungarian government decided to act separately and maintain the possibility of providing protection to those arriving from Ukraine.

«Hungary will act differently and continues to reserve the right to grant asylum status also to men who are subject to conscription and flee to Hungary», the Prime Minister stated.

The official message of the Hungarian state agency also confirms the government’s decision to continue providing relevant protection for men of draft age fleeing from the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Who is affected by Hungary's decision in September 2026

The Prime Minister emphasized that the decision was primarily made with regard to ethnic Hungarians from Transcarpathia. According to him, the number of such people leaving Ukraine is increasing.

«I find it disgraceful and incomprehensible that the European Union decided that it effectively locks parents and grandparents in a country at war and does not provide them with assistance», Szijjarto said.

At the same time, it should not be concluded from the Prime Minister's statement that any Ukrainian of draft age will automatically receive asylum upon arrival in Hungary. It concerns the country's right to provide such protection. Moreover, Budapest's decision does not grant additional exit rights from Ukraine for those men for whom this is restricted by Ukrainian legislation.