Peter Sijjarto. Photo: Profimedia
The decision by US President Joe Biden’s administration to allow Ukraine to use US long-range weapons to strike Russia has drawn criticism from two NATO member states, Slovakia and Hungary. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto consider this a step that increases the risk of escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, Reuters reports.
Hungary: “It is extremely dangerous”
Peter Szijjarto, the head of Hungarian diplomacy, harshly criticised Washington’s decision in a Facebook post.
“The pro-military mainstream has launched a last desperate attack on the new reality. In their desperation, these forces seem to be ready for the worst – expanding the war to a global scale,” Sijjarto said.
The minister also accused President Biden of making “dangerous decisions” at the end of his term.
“Fake politicians who have lost the support of the people refuse to recognise reality. This is not only undemocratic, but also extremely dangerous,” the diplomat added.
Slovakia: “This is destroying the prospects for peace”
Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed concern that the US move undermines any possibility of peace talks.
“This is an unprecedented escalation of tensions that destroys hopes for a peaceful dialogue. Such decisions only continue the killing of Slavs on the territory of Ukraine,” Fico said.
According to sources from Reuters, AFP, The New York Times, and Axios, the Biden administration has for the first time allowed Ukraine to use US long-range missiles (ATACMS) to strike Russian territory.
According to Axios, these missiles are only allowed to be used in the Kursk area, where North Korean troops have been spotted.
The decision was made following a request from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who insisted on the possibility of striking Russian territory to protect Ukrainian sovereignty.
The reaction of NATO countries to this step demonstrates different approaches to supporting Ukraine and concerns about the potential expansion of the war.
