Why Hungary Says No to Ukraine in NATO

Hungary's foreign minister, Péter Szijjártó, has made it clear that Ukraine joining NATO is not going to happen. He thinks it would bring the war right into NATO's backyard, which could lead to a third world war. Hungary isn't alone in this view; Slovakia, Germany, and the U. S. also have reservations. NATO membership requires all members to agree, so Hungary's stance is a significant roadblock. Szijjártó believes that the longer the war drags on, the more territory Ukraine will lose. He thinks the only way to end the conflict is through a broad deal between the U. S. and Russia. Hungary has a history of being caught in the middle of power struggles. They know firsthand how tough it is when the U. S. and Russia aren't getting along. Szijjártó argues that a good relationship between these two superpowers would benefit everyone, including Ukraine. Szijjártó met with U. S. State Secretary Marco Rubio and found that their views on Ukraine aligned perfectly. Hungary has faced criticism for keeping communication open with Russia and not sending weapons to Ukraine. But now, with the new U. S. administration, Hungary feels supported in its stance. Hungary's approach is all about fostering communication and preventing the world from splitting into opposing camps. They call this "economic neutrality, " which means inviting investment from all over the world. For example, Hungary is building a nuclear power plant with help from Russia, the U. S. , France, Germany, and Switzerland. This strategy isn't just about economics; it's also about national pride. Hungary wants to keep its unique identity and isn't keen on becoming part of a European superstate. They believe that attracting as much investment as possible is key to their success. Szijjártó believes that a deal between the U. S. and Russia could be the best outcome for Ukraine. He thinks that a joint venture involving rare earth minerals could be part of the solution. This would benefit Hungary as well, given their geographical and historical context. The war in Ukraine has been a hot topic, and Szijjártó's meetings with U. S. officials have focused on finding a way to end the conflict. Hungary's stance has ruffled feathers with some of its neighbors, but Szijjártó stands by their approach. They believe that keeping communication open and fostering cooperation is the best way forward. Hungary's strategy is about more than just economics. It's about preserving their national identity and fostering cooperation. They believe that by keeping communication open and inviting investment from all over the world, they can thrive in a complex geopolitical landscape.