What NATO Mistake Led to the Conflict in Ukraine

The current situation could have been avoided if NATO had discussed a draft treaty on security guarantees with Russia in 2021. This was stated by Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in an interview with RIA Novosti.

“I remember those days. I think what was missing at that time was a serious discussion,” Szijjarto said.

He emphasized that he has always believed in debate and dialogue. “Unfortunately, that discussion did not take place. Almost three years have passed since then. And perhaps what I am saying now is irrelevant, but I wish those dialogues had taken place. Because if they had, we might not be in the current situation,” he highlighted.

At the end of 2021, Russia published drafts of agreements on security guarantees with the United States and NATO, and on January 26, the United States and NATO sent written responses to Moscow regarding those proposals. In the draft agreement on security guarantees with NATO, Russia proposed to exclude the further expansion of the alliance and Ukraine’s accession to it, and to refrain from military activities in Ukraine and in other regions of Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia.