The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has issued a stern warning following recent comments made by Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó. In his statements, Szijjártó called for efforts to avoid the spread of war beyond Ukraine’s borders, particularly emphasizing the importance of preventing a direct NATO-Russia conflict. He argued that Hungary should refrain from supporting actions that could provoke Russia, such as the closure of Ukrainian airspace, the deployment of peacekeeping troops, or the transit of military aid through Hungary to Ukraine.

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Oleg Nikolenko, responded to these remarks by expressing concern over Hungary’s position, pointing out that such arguments, which focus on not provoking Russia, may unintentionally grant Russia more leeway to escalate its aggression. Nikolenko further highlighted that Hungary’s geographic proximity to Ukraine makes it integral to European security and that any Russian success in Ukraine would inevitably threaten neighboring countries, including Hungary. The spokesperson also referenced a troubling development in Transcarpathia, where Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) allegedly attempted to destabilize the region, using Hungarian factors to fuel discord.

The Foreign Ministry also called on Hungary to condemn Russia’s actions publicly, especially given Hungary’s historical advocacy for the rights of Hungarians abroad. Nikolenko urged Hungary to leverage its diplomatic channels with Moscow to prevent any provocations aimed at creating ethnic tensions within Ukraine.

The context of these statements stems from Hungary’s refusal to support additional EU sanctions against Russia, particularly in the energy sector, as well as its opposition to a no-fly zone over Ukraine and the proposed peacekeeping mission by Poland.