In recent weeks, Hungary has seen an influx of refugees from Ukraine, as the ongoing conflict in the eastern part of the invaded country has intensified. According to the Hungarian National Police, on Monday, 6 March only, 3,827 people entered Hungary from Ukraine via the Ukrainian-Hungarian border, and 3,877 entered from Ukraine at the Romanian-Hungarian border.

Many of these refugees are fleeing violence, destruction, and instability in their home country, with reports about bombing and shelling that cause widespread damage and displacement. Among those arriving in Hungary at the beginning of this week were 97 people, including 29 children, who came by train to Budapest to escape the conflict.

The Hungarian government has pledged to take in the refugees, with the Budapest Police Department coordinating efforts with the Hungarian National Police, the Budapest Transportation Centre, and the Hungarian Defence Forces.

While the government of Hungary has a history of taking a hardliner stance on economic migration, the approach to the Ukrainian refugees is entirely different. Most recently, temporary residence permits have been issued to 41 people, which are valid for 30 days, after which the asylum seekers will need to apply to the authorities for permanent documents.

The Hungarian government has also committed to providing humanitarian assistance to the refugees, including food, shelter, and medical care. However, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop, as the number of refugees from Ukraine is expected to further rise in the coming weeks and months.

According to official statistical data, almost 19 million people have already fled Ukraine, and about 2 million of them sought refuge in Hungary.