Western forces in Ukraine ‘a move toward war’

January 9, 2026

TL;DR

Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto condemned Western European plans to deploy troops to Ukraine, calling it a risk of "direct war" with Russia.
UK and French leaders signed a "declaration of intent" for troop deployment to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal.
These troops would establish "military hubs" across Ukraine.
Szijjarto stated that Budapest "will stay out" of the initiative and supports "peace talks" and opposes moves toward war.
Hungary has consistently urged diplomacy with Moscow and opposed further military or financial aid to Ukraine.
Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev praised Hungary as "the voice of reason and peace in Europe."
Troop numbers, locations, and timelines were not specified by UK, French, or Ukrainian leaders.
France described the contingent as a non-combat force of "potentially thousands" stationed "far behind the contact line."
Russia has warned that any foreign troops in Ukraine would be considered "legitimate targets."

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