Hungarian Foreign Minister confirms that most of NATO’s -closed-door meeting- is against Ukraine’s accession to the alliance

On October 8th, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto made it clear that Hungary does not support Ukraine’s membership in NATO. He noted that the majority of NATO member states share this perspective, as discussed during a closed-door meeting.

According to reports from Russia’s Sputnik news agency, Szijjarto emphasized, “Hungary’s position is very clear: Ukraine cannot become a NATO member.” Ukrainian media had previously reported that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan specifically mentioned that the United States and several member states are not willing to invite Ukraine to join the alliance.

Szijjarto further stated that allowing a country in conflict to join NATO could lead to a third world war, adding that anyone rationally considering this issue would aim to avoid creating such a danger.

He also criticized NATO countries for being dishonest with Ukrainians, claiming they publicly announce the possibility of accepting Ukraine while the majority of foreign ministers in closed-door meetings align with Hungary’s stance. “I must disappoint the idealists,” he remarked.

A recent report from the Ukrainian Truth newspaper highlighted Erdogan’s earlier statements, which indicated that many NATO leaders, including those from the U.S., did not wish to invite Kyiv to join the alliance, and that Turkey would consider its allies’ positions when making decisions on the matter.

In another development, the New York Times reported that President Biden had planned to arrive in Berlin on the evening of October 9th for an official visit and to attend the Ukraine Defense Contact Group summit at Ramstein Air Base. However, he canceled his trip due to Hurricane Milton impacting Florida, leading the military spokesperson to announce that the meeting of Western leaders in support of Ukraine’s defense against Russia has been postponed.

Originally scheduled for October 12th at Ramstein Air Base, this meeting was intended to provide encouragement and further support to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It also marked a significant moment one month before the U.S. presidential elections, showcasing President Biden’s steadfast support for Ukraine and Western allies.

The U.S. Air Force’s 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein confirmed the postponement of the meeting in an email to reporters. With the Ukrainian forces facing setbacks in the east, this delay represents a setback for Zelenskyy’s efforts to secure military support.

Biden was scheduled to meet with leaders from the UK, France, and Germany to discuss Ukraine and other topics. It remains uncertain whether this meeting will proceed in Biden’s absence.