Hungarian FM warns NATO peacekeeping mission in Ukraine could spark global conflict

The Hungarian Foreign Minister has provided his perspective following a two-day ministerial meeting at the NATO headquarters in Brussels during an extensive interview, focusing on the European Union's defence strategies regarding Ukraine while also expressing concerns that they might only serve to prolong the armed conflict rather than lead to a resolution.

Minister Péter Szijjártó spoke to the Hungarian M1 TV channel from Brussels after the conclusion of the event, which he attended from April 2-4, Caliber.Az reports.

He noted that the enhancement of Europe’s defence capabilities was a key topic of discussion, and no one questioned its necessity. However, the minister noted that Hungary disagrees with many NATO allies who frame this issue "within the context of the current wartime situation, integrating it into a strategy of prolonging the war."

"The strategy of strengthening European defence should not imply a covert increase in arms deliveries and financial assistance to Ukraine, primarily because this would lead to a prolonged military conflict."

Szijjártó also rejected the idea that defending Europe equates to defending Ukraine, stating: "Enhancing the EU's defence capabilities means strengthening the EU itself, not investing in the defence of a country that is neither a NATO nor an EU member."

According to Szijjártó, while Ukraine is at war with Russia, this does not mean that it is protecting Europe, as "no EU or NATO member is under attack."

He further argued that effective development of Europe's defence potential could only be ensured if peace is achieved in Ukraine. Given the economic challenges facing the EU, funds for strengthening European defence can only be freed up once the Ukrainian conflict is resolved.

However, the minister criticizes the bloc's leader as they were busy continuing to escalate military tensions and portray Russia as the enemy instead of supporting diplomatic efforts.

Speaking on the issue of a peacekeeping mission to Ukraine, he warned that NATO will not be able to deploy such a forces seeing as Russia strongly opposes such a move, and emphasized that in any case the timing for such a move was premature.

While Szijjártó did note that this issue was not discussed at the current round of talks, he did stress to the interviewer that any attempt to send such troops could lead to a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia, which, he warned, would mean the start of World War III.

Previously, he had stated that the question of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine could only be addressed once a ceasefire is agreed upon and negotiations for a long-term peace settlement begin.

By Nazrin Sadigova