Orban proposes to make a deal with Putin and deny Ukraine NATO membership
Viktor Orbán (Getty Images)
Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, said the West should engage in an "operation" with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a new security architecture for Ukraine. Orban's vision for this does not include the return of Crimea to Ukraine or Ukraine's membership in NATO, according to his interview with the former Fox News political commentator Tucker Carlson shared on Twitter.
Orban is certain that Ukraine is on its path to defeat in the war due to the numerical superiority of Russian forces.
He said, "We should make a deal with the Russians on the new security architecture to provide security and sovereignty for Ukraine, but not membership in NATO."
Orban believes that the return of Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, to Ukraine was unrealistic. He also mentioned that the best chance for peace is a return to power by former U.S. President Donald Trump and the cessation of military support for Ukraine.
Orban has sought to block EU assistance, refused to supply weapons to Kyiv, and repeatedly claimed that Ukraine's counteroffensive is doomed to fail.
Orban's government has also entered into agreements with Russia in the energy sector, including gas supplies and the advancement of a nuclear power plant construction project under Russian leadership, despite its stance on the EU and NATO.
The Hungarian leader has often referred to Putin's regime as a model for what he calls "illiberal democracy," in opposition to EU's multicultural values.
Hostile Hungary
Hungary is the only European country considered hostile by Ukrainians. According to a survey by the "Rating" Sociological Group, in 2022, Ukrainians categorized Hungary as a hostile country.
Hungary consistently seeks to block EU sanctions against Russia and oligarchs close to Putin.
