Hungary will accelerate its defense development program, Prime Minister Viktor Orban told state radio.

According to him, military realities are gradually emerging in Ukraine, as the country loses many soldiers every day and although the front is still far from Hungary, the situation may change, reports Reuters.

He reiterated that Hungary, as a NATO ally, must stay out of the war.

Orban said that Hungary was unwilling to negotiate any potential EU embargo or restrictions on Russian gas imports as it would cripple the Hungarian economy.

What will be needed is not sanctions, but an immediate ceasefire and peace talks, he said, adding that peace is also needed to contain what he called “war inflation.”

Inflation in Hungary is in the double digits despite price cuts on fuel, energy and basic foodstuffs, which forced the Hungarian National Bank to raise its base rate by 185 basis points to 7.75%.