HUNGARY will seek to opt out of any Nato operations aimed at supporting Ukraine, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said today, suggesting that the military alliance and the European Union are moving towards a more direct conflict with Russia.

Mr Orban told state radio that his government opposes a plan Nato is weighing up to provide more predictable military support to Ukraine in coming years to repel Moscow’s forces, as better armed Russian troops increasing get the upper hand on the battlefield.

“We do not approve of this, nor do we want to participate in financial or arms support [for Ukraine], even within the framework of Nato,” Mr Orban said, adding that Hungary has taken a position as a “non-participant” in any potential Nato operations to assist Kiev.