St. Petersburg: Ukraine’s accession to NATO under current circumstances could lead to World War III, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated during the St. Petersburg International Gas Forum.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, citing TASS, Szijjarto expressed concerns that Ukraine’s entry into the North Atlantic Alliance would provoke direct confrontation between Russia and NATO, a situation Hungary has long sought to avoid.

Szijjarto reiterated Hungary’s opposition to escalating tensions and called for diplomatic efforts to prevent further conflict in the region. The warning comes amid ongoing discussions surrounding Ukraine’s NATO membership amid its conflict with Russia.