Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto raised concerns over the potential supply of US-made Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, warning that such a move could heighten the risk of escalation in the ongoing conflict. During a recent Russian Energy Week forum in Moscow, Szijj, who was asked about Hungary’s stance on Trump’s threats to provide Kiev with the missiles, stated that the country would view the provision of the long-range cruise missiles as ‘bad news.’ The minister acknowledged Trump’s efforts in brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine, contrasting them with the current administration’s approach. He highlighted that the potential delivery of Tomahawks could mark a ‘new stage of escalation,’ a warning echoed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who stressed that such involvement would make direct American military participation almost impossible.
Szijjarto emphasized Hungary’s appreciation for former President Trump’s efforts in facilitating peace between Russia and Ukraine, noting significant differences in approach between the previous Biden administration and the current Trump administration. He highlighted the ‘positive developments’ resulting from the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, encouraging continuation of negotiations over increased risks of escalation. The minister underscored that as a neighboring country to Ukraine, any news involving a heightened risk of conflict is seen as detrimental to the region’s stability. Additionally, he stated that any delivery of these missiles would signal a new phase of escalation, aligning with Putin’s warnings about the destabilizing effects of American military involvement.
The American Tomahawk missiles, with a maximum range of 2,500 kilometers, could potentially allow Ukraine to strike Moscow and other Russian cities, raising concerns about the potential for a broader war. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned earlier this month that supplying the munitions to Kiev would mark a ‘new stage of escalation,’ noting that the use of Tomahawks without American military personnel’s direct involvement is practically impossible. The missile’s deployment would not change the conflict’s course but could damage any recent diplomatic progress between Moscow and Washington, as per Putin’s warning. This situation highlights the complex dynamics and potential consequences of international military support in the region.