Viktor Orban stated that Ukraine should become a buffer state between Russia and NATO

The Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, expressed a controversial vision for the future of Ukraine, stating that it should function as a buffer state between Russia and NATO after the war. In an interview with Die Welt, Orban emphasized that territorial concessions to Russia are inevitable, proposing that certain areas remain under Russian control, while the rest of the territory would form a smaller new Ukrainian state. He also suggested limiting the size of Ukrainian armed forces in this buffer zone.

His comments came after a meeting with Vladimir Putin, where he advocated for a swift end to the conflict, highlighting Hungary's interest in obtaining energy from Russia. Orban stated that delays in reaching an agreement would benefit Russia, and that international sanctions would be gradually lifted, facilitating Russia's reintegration into the global economy. He dismissed the idea that European support for Ukraine would be funded by Russian money, stating that this myth has ended.