BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungary’s foreign minister announced that no agreement was reached during a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels regarding Ukraine’s potential membership in the military alliance, a membership that Ukraine views as crucial for ending the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Péter Szijjártó, known for his critical stance toward Ukraine and his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s administration, expressed concerns about the military assistance provided to Ukraine by certain Western nations, especially following Donald Trump’s election to the presidency. He argued that this level of support could potentially escalate violence in the region.

Szijjártó warned that admitting Ukraine into NATO could lead to a catastrophic situation. “It would be akin to igniting World War III,” he stated at a press conference. He elaborated that, given Ukraine’s current wartime status, its inclusion in NATO would not enhance European security. Instead, it could provoke a NATO-Russian confrontation.

The NATO meeting occurred amidst reports of Russia making significant battlefield advances in Ukraine, while Ukraine’s allies are eager to bolster its defenses before Trump’s administration begins in January. Trump has been critical of the extensive financial aid the Biden administration has directed to Ukraine, suggesting he could resolve the conflict swiftly, raising speculations that he might push Ukraine to concede territory occupied by Russia.

While the heads of the 32 NATO member countries affirm that Ukraine is on a definite path toward membership, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte remained evasive during a recent press interaction, indicating that the immediate focus should be on empowering Ukraine for future negotiations with Russia by increasing military support.

To accept any new members, unanimous agreement among NATO countries is essential. Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that granting alliance membership to areas currently under Ukrainian control could bring an end to the intense phase of the three-year conflict.

However, Szijjártó expressed doubt regarding the ability of heightened Western support to turn the tide of the conflict in favor of Ukraine. “Despite the continuous influx of weaponry, the situation for Ukraine on the battlefield deteriorates day by day,” he remarked. “If anyone believes that the status of the Ukrainians can easily improve on the battlefield, they are merely deceiving not only themselves but the Ukrainians too.”