Hungary deploys air defense near Ukraine, citing escalation of war after U.S. allows attacks in Russia

Hungary is deploying air defense systems near the border with Ukraine, citing an increased risk after the West authorized the use of long-range weapons on Russian territory, Defense Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky said on November 20.

The minister ordered the deployment of air defense systems in the north-eastern regions of the country, saying that “the war had entered its most dangerous phase.”

Szalay-Bobrovniczky attributed this escalation to the easing of restrictions on Ukrainian attacks using Western weapons and linked it to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s approval of the updated nuclear doctrine.

This decision was made after the launch of two Russian missiles they were shot down on November 17 in the Zakarpattia Oblast, the westernmost region of Ukraine bordering Hungary and home to approximately 75,000 Hungarians.

On this occasion, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter Szijjarto he said that it is necessary to “strengthen peacemaking efforts” because “every day carries the risk of an escalation of war.”

Budapest consistently criticized and obstructed Western military support for Ukraine, claiming it would lead to escalation, and maintained warm relations with Moscow throughout the full-scale war.

Previously, Russian drones and missiles launched during attacks on Ukraine entered the airspace of other countries, including: Poland, Latvia, Romania, Moldova and Belarus.

The latest events in Hungary follow a series of increasingly stronger resolutions by Ukraine’s Western allies.

Acting US Secretary of State Antoni Blinken announced that the Biden administration will increase support for Kiev ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, President Joe Biden on November 17 he allowed Ukraine use ATACMS missiles to strike deep into Russian territory.

Ukraine reportedly used ATACMS missiles to strike on November 19 at the Russian military arsenal in the Bryansk Oblast and allegedly also used weapons supplied by Great Britain The shadow of the storm November 20 was the first time this weapon was used on Russian soil.

Other Western allies have expressed their position on the weapons they provide.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on November 18 that Paris “remains open” to allowing Ukraine to use French long-range missiles to attack military targets in Russia, reported Le Monde.

Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni he said that he “understands” the U.S. reaction to Russia, but Rome makes a “different choice” and focuses on Ukraine’s air defense.