Hungarian Prime Minister Warns of Potential Direct Conflict Between NATO and Russia
Hungarian leader Viktor Orban has likened the Western alliance to using a flamethrower to extinguish a fire.
In recent remarks, Orban stated that the NATO alliance is edging closer to a direct conflict with Russia concerning Ukraine. He criticized NATO for potentially dragging Hungary, a member state since 1999, into a world war.
Despite Russia’s invasion of eastern Ukraine, Hungary, under Orban’s leadership, has maintained amicable relations with Russia. This has led to tensions with Hungary’s NATO allies, as Orban has been vocal in criticizing the West’s support for Kyiv.
Most notably, Hungary declined to participate in a NATO plan to establish a military assistance fund for Ukraine, causing friction within the alliance.
Orban emphasized his desire to end the conflict in Ukraine and avoid escalation, but critics accuse him of prioritizing Moscow over Ukraine and its Western supporters.
In addition to facing criticism from EU members for blocking military assistance to Kyiv, Orban has faced accusations of hindering the EU’s engagement in foreign affairs.
Denying accusations of war-mongering, Hungary stands firm in its stance against measures that may lead to further conflict in the region, despite pressure to align with war-supporting politicians.
Amid escalating tensions, Orban warns of the increasing risk of war and destruction, asserting that NATO’s actions may exacerbate tensions with Russia, pushing Europe closer to the brink of chaos.
He concludes by drawing a striking analogy, comparing the Western alliance to someone using a flamethrower to quell a fire, suggesting that NATO’s approach may only worsen the situation.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
