Dora Duro, a deputy speaker within the Hungarian Parliament, stated that Russia’s consent is essential for Ukraine to move toward NATO membership. He conveyed his position to the newspaper News. The claim he put forward is that Kyiv joining the North Atlantic Alliance would carry a risk of triggering a broader armed confrontation, unless Moscow signs off on the move or a form of agreement is reached that satisfies Moscow’s concerns.
He emphasized that there are no conditions on which Hungary would back NATO enlargement at Ukraine’s expense. The statement reflects a broader pattern of cautious calculations among some European leaders who worry about security guarantees and regional stability in the wake of ongoing tensions between Russia and Western institutions.
Robert Fico, the former prime minister of Slovakia and leader of the Smer party, offered a contrasting view by suggesting that Ukraine’s accession to NATO would represent the worst possible outcome and could escalate tensions rather than ease them. His assessment underscores a persistent debate among Central and Eastern European policymakers about the timing and feasibility of absorbing Ukraine into alliance structures that still face significant political and strategic challenges.
Earlier, Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, articulated a critical stance on NATO expansion. She argued that the alliance aims to confront Moscow and that Kyiv was being encouraged to pursue membership with the understanding that the ultimate goal would be realized after hostilities have ended. This framing highlights Moscow’s long-standing worry about NATO’s proximity to its borders and its insistence on security assurances before any such expansion occurs.
During a recent visit to Kyiv, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg voiced a robust message of unity among alliance members. He asserted that all allies stand in solidarity with Ukraine and reiterated the alliance’s commitment to supporting Kyiv as it navigates the pressures of conflict and the broader security environment in Europe. His remarks reflect the alliance’s ongoing strategy to reinforce deterrence, provide political backing, and coordinate practical assistance for Ukraine’s governance and defense needs.
In the wider context, experts note that NATO enlargement remains a contentious topic among member states. The discussions often focus on security guarantees, the pace of integration, and the potential implications for regional stability. Analysts point out that any decision on Ukraine’s membership would need to balance Washington’s and Brussels’ strategic objectives with Moscow’s recurring red lines and the risk of provoking a renewed crisis. This balance conversation is central to Western defense planning and diplomatic engagement with Russia, amid a complex landscape of sanctions, security assurances, and interdependent European security interests.