Orbán wants Ukraine to be buffer zone and blames West for prolonging war

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has claimed that the only possible way to end the Russo-Ukrainian war is for Ukraine to become a "buffer state" and accused European leaders of fuelling the war for financial gain.

Source: Hungarian TV channel M1; a speech by Orbán at an anti-war congress in Nyíregyháza

Details: In his address, Orbán attempted to explain what he sees as the "militant" stance taken by the "Brussels elite". He claimed that the war is beneficial for Western countries, as they believe Ukraine can win on the battlefield.

Orbán said Western leaders and Russia interpret the war differently. He insisted that Europe has to restore the "balance of power" in order to ensure peace, yet European politicians want conflict, he claimed.

Quote: "The Europeans want war. Don't assume that the West sees things the way we do here. We want peace, a ceasefire, and security. What lies behind this [Western desire for war – ed.] is money."

Details: Orbán went on to suggest that Western countries expect to benefit from a potential Russian defeat. He cynically remarked that the Europeans and Americans are ready to "pay for this in Ukrainian blood".

The Hungarian leader was also critical of the evolution of Western aid from financial assistance to supplying weapons, and now, he said, statements about the possible deployment of troops, including from France.

Quote: "They believe they can now defeat the Russians and that victory over Russia will benefit them. That's why they support this war, which of course will be paid for in Ukrainian blood. First they gave money, then they gave weapons, and now these statements have been made by the French and others that perhaps even soldiers will be sent if necessary."

Details: A separate part of Orbán's speech was devoted to justifying Russian aggression, parroting Kremlin narratives.

He claimed that after the Soviet Union collapsed and NATO was enlarged to include post-Soviet countries, Ukraine acquired a status that "contradicts the agreement". Orbán emphasised that the West's desire to integrate Ukraine into the EU and NATO is seen as a threat by Moscow, as it brings modern weapons closer to Russia's borders.

"Perhaps Ukraine has international rights; there is no doubt about that, but they do not respect them, because they [the Russians – ed.] also have the right to their own security and do not want to be neighbours with NATO members," the prime minister said.

Regarding Hungary's position, Orbán said Budapest supports a "third way". His stated goal is the creation of a European security balance in which Hungary will not have a "military threat hanging over its head" and will benefit economically.

He reiterated his claim that time is on Russia's side, asserting that the longer the West delays in reaching a peace agreement, the more territory and people Ukraine will lose.

Orbán urged the public to "let go of illusions" and face reality. He referenced the "28-point US peace plan" and insisted that the only solution is for Ukraine to become a "buffer state".

Background:

• Early on 28 November, Orbán flew to Moscow to meet with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.
• Orbán said he was travelling to the Russian capital to secure affordable energy supplies for Hungary for the winter and the coming year.
• At the meeting with Putin, Orbán once again expressed hope that Budapest will serve as a platform for peace negotiations to end the Russo-Ukrainian war.

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