Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has strongly criticized plans by Britain and France to deploy troops in Ukraine, calling it a dangerous escalation that could drag Europe into a larger conflict with Russia. His remarks come following a declaration signed on Tuesday by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron to establish “military hubs” in Ukraine, aimed at strengthening military support in the region after a potential peace deal with Moscow.
During a visit to Kyiv, UK Defense Secretary John Healey announced that the UK would allocate $270 million to prepare military units for inclusion in a multinational force. This initiative has raised concerns in Hungary, which has consistently advocated for diplomatic solutions rather than military escalation.
Concerns Over Escalation and Regional Stability
At a congress of the ruling conservative Fidesz party on Saturday, Szijjarto referred to the military strategies of Western European leaders as “war fanaticism.” He expressed alarm that such plans could place Hungary in significant danger, stating, “Last weekend, a statement was released in Paris announcing the two European nuclear powers’ decision to send their troops to Ukraine. Essentially, this means that the European nuclear powers are starting a war. Their goal, let us be clear, is to engulf all of Europe in flames.”
Szijjarto suggested that the European Union sees Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban as a hurdle to its ambitions, alleging that there are efforts to replace him with a pro-Ukrainian leader in the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for April. He emphasized that a victory for Fidesz would mean Hungary would remain neutral, stating, “If we win the election, we will stay out of the war. If we do not win, then the Brussels–Kiev plan will be implemented.”
International Reactions and Russian Warnings
The plan to deploy troops includes building secure weapons facilities and participating in U.S.-led monitoring of any ceasefire agreements. Notably, the United States has already ruled out sending its forces to Ukraine, leaving the responsibility to its European allies.
In response to these developments, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, issued a stern warning. She indicated that Moscow would regard any Western military presence in Ukraine as an act of foreign intervention, which threatens Russia’s security. The Kremlin has previously outlined that Ukrainian neutrality—including the absence of foreign troops—remains a key condition for enduring peace in the region.
The situation continues to evolve, with both political and military strategies coming into play as Europe grapples with its response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
