Szijjarto: Government ‘saved Hungary from war’

Speaking at a panel discussion in Biatorbagy, outside Budapest, he said that had been made possible by Hungary’s “political stability, which is unique in Europe”.

Referring to the war in Ukraine, he said “we have succeeded in fending off all attempts to make us join the pro-war camp.” The government had resisted pressure “to make decisions that would have prolonged and escalated the war,” the minister added.

“There is only one NATO country that has not transported arms to Ukraine and that is us… Slovakia is now second, but they sent weapons earlier,” he added.

The minister said statments suggesting sending troops to Ukraine were “extremely dangerous”, adding that such remarks could have “dramatic ramifications in such a tense situation”. Russia “cannot be defeated on the battlefield … but in view of the Western military support, it is not expected that Ukraine could be brought to its knees; sooner or later diplomatic settlement will follow,” he said. “The question is when the war will be concluded through talks … but each new day of the war will bring more deaths, further destruction and further risks of escalation,” he added. Szijjarto said he hoped Donald Trump would win the US presidential election and “apply due pressure to initiate peace talks” between the sides.

The European Union’s Ukraine strategy “has failed … the sanctions are more painful for Europe than for Russia,” he said, adding that “the conflict has been made global rather than being isolated”. Europe’s competitiveness is dwindling, and a “sharp turnaround” is needed, he said, in reference to the upcoming European parliamentary elections.