Hungary and Slovakia have backed Dutch Prime Minister Rutte as the next head of NATO

“We have agreed that no Hungarian personnel will take part in NATO operations in Ukraine and no Hungarian funds will be used to support them,” Orban said. X said todayAdded: “In light of his commitment, Hungary is ready to support Prime Minister Rutte's bid for NATO Secretary General.”

Slovakia, another holdout against supporting Root, has also signaled it might support him. Like Hungary, Slovakia's new government leaned toward Moscow and said it would not send weapons to help Ukraine.

“After discussions with both candidates and consultations with Prime Minister Robert Fico and the Slovak government, the Slovak Republic can envisage supporting Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as head of the coalition,” Slovak President Peter Pellegrini said. He said this in a televised news briefing today.

Pellegrini added that he spoke with Root that NATO would help protect Slovakia's airspace until it boosts its own capabilities.

The moves leave Romania – whose president Klaus Iohannis is fighting against Rutt – as the only NATO ally still not backing the Dutch prime minister. The new alliance chief will have to get the support of 32 members.