“The whole world is watching Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, because Russia’s actions are a threat not only to Ukraine but also to Europe and the international rules-based order. Our goal is simple. Together with our allies and partners, we stand in support of European unity, in strengthening our transatlantic relations, and in helping democratic states and institutions. We do this to make life better for the citizens of both the United States and Hungary,” Dillard begins his article.

"This is not a conflict between East and West (or Russia and the United States), where Hungary is only an outside observer. Hungary and its security are directly affected by any move that threatens the global rules-based order. This is even more the case when this threat is posed in Hungary’s neighborhood.”

Dillard notes that since Hungary decided to join NATO, the country “enjoys greater security, stability, and opportunities through our partnership.”

The US Chargé d’Affaires explains that the reason to be concerned about what is happening in Ukraine is that they “respect the principles that underpin international peace and security: that the borders and territorial integrity of a state cannot be changed by force, and that countries have the right to self-determination. Each member of the international community must take the consequences if it fails to live up to its commitments.” Therefore,

"If Russia could violate these principles with impunity, it would send a signal to the rest of the world that these principles can be sacrificed.”

Dillard emphasized a joint action: “US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was clear: The United States will not negotiate Europe without Europe. We will not negotiate Ukraine without Ukraine.”

The real danger

Dillard mentioned several events before the current conflict, such as what happened with Crimea, and “now, Russia’s actions, such as the withdrawal of more than 100,000 troops on the border with Ukraine, are plunging not only Ukraine but the whole of Europe back into crisis,” writes Dillard,

"President Putin insincerely blames Ukraine for the unprovoked Russian military mobilization."

But the military behavior of Ukraine and NATO has always been purely defensive. Unlike Russia, Ukraine has honored its commitments under the Minsk agreement, which was aimed at securing a ceasefire in Donbas.”

According to Dillard, the Russian president “fears that the exercise of democratic values and human rights is gradually eroding his power,” he adds that “Russia’s action is dangerous and destabilizing.”

Action plan

Dillard writes that “The United States wants to continue to build an international coalition in Europe and around the world with partners who see this threat clearly. Our Hungarian allies are key to this effort.” Diplomacy is the only lasting solution for all, he believes.

But if Russia chooses to go the other way and invades Ukraine again, the US Embassy’s member writes: “We are ready, together with our partners and allies, to impose severe consequences on Russia.” This would mean significant sanctions, financial, economic, and such sanctions that we have not yet imposed. According to Dillard, “If necessary, we would also strengthen the defenses of Ukraine and NATO, which Putin says he is keen to avoid.”

Finally, Marc Dillard concludes by writing that “Russia’s threat to Ukraine is a threat to democratic values everywhere. Americans and Hungarians must stand together in support of Ukraine to ensure a free and stable Europe, which is in the interest of all people living in a democracy, whether American, Hungarian or anyone else around the world.”