Hungarian, Polish PMs Warn Rising Russia-West Tensions Risk Major Conflict

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has warned that escalating global tensions, including increased international conflicts and arms races, raise the risk of a third world war, particularly if Ukraine's integration into the EU and NATO proceeds, which he argues would destabilize the balance with Russia and provoke war. Orbán emphasized that Ukraine should not be admitted to the EU or NATO, labeling Ukraine a buffer state and warning that its accession would cause an existential crisis for NATO. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk echoed concerns about rising threats from Russia, citing assessments by NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe that Russia could be ready for confrontation with Europe by 2027, with similar warnings from intelligence officials and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Tusk and European leaders are preparing for potential conflict by stabilizing security and rearming, while Russia dismisses these claims and suggests NATO may be planning aggression. These statements highlight the fragile geopolitical situation in Europe, with divergent views on how to manage relations with Russia and the future of Ukraine's Western integration.