Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has sharply criticized the recent plans by the United Kingdom and France to deploy troops in Ukraine, labeling the initiative as “war fanaticism.” His remarks come following a declaration signed on March 5, 2024, by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, aimed at establishing “military hubs” in Ukraine after a potential peace deal with Russia.
During a visit to Kyiv, UK Defense Secretary John Healey announced that London would allocate $270 million to equip military units that are intended to join a “multinational force.” This escalation has alarmed Hungary, which has consistently advocated for a diplomatic approach to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Szijjarto expressed his concerns at a congress of the ruling conservative Fidesz party, stating that the actions of Western European leaders are creating significant danger for Hungary. He said, “The war fanaticism of Western European leaders is throwing Hungary into the greatest danger.” He emphasized that the introduction of troops from European nuclear powers into Ukraine essentially signals the start of a broader conflict.
Political Implications for Hungary
Szijjarto further argued that the European Union views Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban as an obstacle to its plans and is seeking to replace him with a pro-Ukrainian leader in the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for April 2024. He asserted, “If we win the election, we will stay out of the war. If we do not win, then the Brussels–Kyiv plan will be implemented.”
The plan outlined in Paris includes the deployment of British and French troops to assist in constructing protected weapons facilities and participating in US-led monitoring efforts for a potential truce. While the US has ruled out sending its own soldiers to the conflict zone, the involvement of European troops raises significant geopolitical concerns.
On March 7, 2024, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responded to the situation, warning that Moscow would view any Western troops or military installations in Ukraine as a foreign intervention that could threaten its security. Russia has consistently stated that Ukrainian neutrality, including the absence of foreign military personnel, is a vital condition for achieving lasting peace.
As tensions continue to escalate, the ramifications of the proposed troop deployments could have far-reaching effects on the stability of Europe and the future of EU-Russian relations. Hungary’s stance highlights the deep divisions within the EU regarding military intervention in Ukraine and the potential for a broader conflict that could engulf the continent.
