Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has proposed that Ukraine remain a buffer state and pursue strategic cooperation with the European Union instead of full membership. His comments, made on the X platform, reflect concerns about the potential for Hungary to be drawn into a conflict if Ukraine joins the EU.
Orbán emphasized the importance of protecting Hungary’s national interests and regional stability. He argued that strategic cooperation would allow both countries to work together on key issues without the full obligation of EU membership. This position aligns with Hungary’s broader foreign policy priorities, which have often been at odds with Western allies on issues such to the war in Ukraine.
The suggestion has sparked debate among EU leaders and analysts, with some questioning the feasibility of such an arrangement and others noting the strategic implications for both Hungary and Ukraine. As the situation continues to evolve, the impact of Orbán’s proposal on the broader European political landscape remains to be seen.