Budapest: Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has strongly criticized NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte for his recent warning regarding a potential Russian attack on the alliance within five years, labeling the statement as 'reckless.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Szijjarto expressed his disapproval on US social media platform X, reacting to Rutte's statement that suggested Russia could target NATO and emphasized Ukraine's security as integral to the alliance's safety. Szijjarto argued that such assertions lack common sense and do not reflect the views of Hungary, a NATO member. He highlighted that European security is safeguarded by NATO itself, not Ukraine, which is focused on its own defense.

Szijjarto further accused Rutte's comments of undermining peace efforts backed by US President Donald Trump, suggesting that the NATO chief had compromised ongoing peace negotiations between Ukraine and Moscow. He urged Rutte to refrain from making provocative statements that might escalate tensions.

The controversy arose after Rutte's speech at a Munich Security Conference event in Berlin, where he urged NATO allies to enhance defense spending and fortify the alliance's deterrence against a potential Russian threat. Rutte emphasized the need for clarity on the perceived threat from Russia, whose economy, he claimed, is geared towards war.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine is pursuing multiple negotiation tracks with European and US partners, focusing on security guarantees and economic recovery to end the ongoing conflict.