Szijjarto: Reality, ideology ‘far apart’ in today’s international politics

Concerning the war in Ukraine, Szijjarto told a podium discussion that Europe was “suffering from war psychosis”, and some leaders “think they’re playing Fortnite, but this is reality where people are dying there’s massive destruction”.

He said that despite the “inflated liberal expectations”, it was certain that Russia could not be dealt a military defeat in this conflict, given that it is a nuclear power. But Ukraine cannot lose, either, he said, arguing that there would always be a big enough supply of weapons from the West to maintain the status quo.

“If neither side can win, then it’s clear that the whole thing will end with negotiation,” the minister said. “And if no one can win, and negotiations are needed, then the only question left is why not do it tomorrow? Why two weeks from now? Why three months from now? Why a year from now?”

“Each passing day in this war results in more death and destruction,” Szijjarto said, adding that this made the call for an urgent ceasefire and peace talks the only morally acceptable position.

He said Europe today was “incapable of creating these conditions”, so an agreement between the United States and Russia was needed. But this, he said, was “also impossible under the current administration in Washington”, adding that it meant that change would be needed in the US’ leadership.

Concerning French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent remarks, Szijjarto warned that sending Western troops to Ukraine would seriously violate the “red line” established by NATO that it was not party to the conflict. “However, given the changes in Europe’s position, this can’t be fully ruled out,” he added.

As regards the conflict in the Middle East, he said the number one objective was to prevent an escalation of the conflict, as this would lead to a regional war.

He said a political change in Washington could resolve this crisis as well, noting that “after decades of failures”, the Abraham Accords brokered under Donald Trump’s presidency had resurrected the hope for peace.

He said there were many similarities between the political positions of Trump and the Hungarian government, such as their views on the family and handling of migration.

Meanwhile, Szijjarto praised the government’s policy of opening to the East, underlining that despite the political efforts to decouple the European and Chinese economies, it was clear that many Western companies have become fully dependent on Chinese suppliers in sectors like the auto industry, among others.

When speaking about “a distance between reality and political propaganda”, Szijjarto said in an example that “the United State puts constant pressure onto Hungary to stop its nuclear cooperation with Russia while Russia became the largest Uranium supplier of the US last year. US firms, Szijjarto noted, are also participating in the upgrade of Hungary’s nuclear plant in Paks.

Speaking about the upcoming European Parliament elections and its significance, Szijjarto said that parties with a rationality-based, conservative and patriotic agenda endorsing national interests and sovereignty would need to have a strong showing in order for “turning negative developments around”.