NATO limits intelligence sharing with Hungary over Orban’s pro-Kremlin stance

This means that Hungary is receiving less information from its allies both bilaterally and through NATO's central channels.

"The problem is that the consequences are felt by everyone, as the allies share less sensitive intelligence through NATO's central channels, knowing that Hungary is also among the recipients," the official said, adding that alternative channels have been set up to share information that Budapest does not have access to.

"Even if we trust their senior intelligence officers, ultimately, if we share information with them, it could end up in reports on [Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor] Orban's desk. Our problem is the political leadership of the country," said the former deputy head of the civilian intelligence service in an EU country.

Concerns about Hungary's leadership have prompted NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to visit the country to address its pro-Kremlin stance and its potential impact on alliance unity.

This follows an earlier statement made by Stoltenberg at a joint press conference with Orban in Budapest on June 12 that Hungary would not participate in or block NATO decisions on Ukraine.

"I am pleased that today the Prime Minister and I agreed on a modality for Hungary not to participate in NATO support for Ukraine,” he said.

“No Hungarian representatives will be involved in this activity, and no Hungarian finances will be used to support it."

Stoltenberg expects allies to approve long-term funding to ensure "predictable" military support for Ukraine at the NATO summit in Washington, D.C., scheduled for July.

"The Prime Minister assured me that Hungary will not oppose these efforts and will allow other allies to move forward," he added.