Ukraine should become "buffer zone" between EU and Russia - Hungarian Minister for European Union Affairs Boca
At the summit of European Union leaders that begins today, Hungary will again oppose the majority of the bloc's countries, defending its position on slowing down Ukraine's European integration and stopping military aid to Kyiv.
According to Censor.NET, this was stated by Hungarian Minister for European Union Affairs János Boca in an interview with the Financial Times.
He acknowledged that Budapest is now taking a bolder stance, arguing that Donald Trump's return to the White House means that the bloc should no longer support Kyiv with weapons or money. In particular, Budapest is proposing to create a so-called "buffer zone" between the EU and Russia, which it believes would be in the interests of both sides.
"We do not believe that Ukraine's integration into the EU's defense structures will contribute to the security of Europe. Instead, we see the need to create a buffer zone between Russia and European defense structures, which would be in the interests of both Europe and Russia," Boca said.
He emphasized that Ukraine can function as a buffer zone only if a consensus is reached between key international players, primarily the United States and Russia. Otherwise, he said, Ukraine will remain a territory of conflict.
"If the US or the EU does something in Ukraine without Putin's approval, it is a source of conflict in itself," Boca added.
Budapest's stance on Ukraine is a growing concern among its EU allies. Diplomats from other countries recognize that the differences with Hungary seem insurmountable, and informal discussions are already underway within the EU about the possibility of eliminating Budapest's veto on decisions that require unanimous support.
"The confrontation with Ukraine cannot continue without consequences for Hungary," a senior EU official said. According to him, a number of EU foreign ministers have already discussed potential sanctions against Budapest.
Hungarian officials do not hide the fact that their position is becoming tougher as Donald Trump returns to power in the United States. According to Boca, Budapest's political closeness to the Trump administration is explained not only by geopolitical but also ideological factors.
"Many people underestimate the level of the Trump administration's hostility to European institutions. He sees the EU not just as an international organization with opposing interests, but as a political opponent and acts accordingly," the minister said.
He also noted that Hungary has stepped up its criticism of the sanctions policy towards Russia, arguing that the restrictions could hinder a peaceful settlement.
"We do not want sanctions to become an obstacle to a ceasefire or negotiations. We need to assess whether they help or hinder the peace process," Boca explained.
