Orban advocates for buffer zone in Ukraine, dismisses direct Russian threat

WORLD  29 March 2024 - 16:20

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has stirred debate by asserting that NATO countries are not under immediate threat of attack from Russia.

However, Orban emphasized the necessity of maintaining a buffer zone within Ukraine to safeguard regional security, according to remarks reported by European Voices during a conversation with former Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel.

Orban bluntly stated, "we are not threatened by the danger of a Russian attack on a NATO member country," asserting that Russia would vehemently oppose any moves by Ukraine to join the alliance.

Highlighting the precarious situation in Ukraine, Orban underscored the importance of establishing a buffer zone with adequate security guarantees to prevent further escalation. He cautioned that failure to create such a zone could result in Ukraine losing more territory amid ongoing conflict.

The Hungarian leader urged a shift from military confrontation to diplomatic negotiations, suggesting that continued hostilities could exacerbate Ukraine's losses. Orban stressed the necessity of a ceasefire, lamenting the breakdown of rational discourse between Russia and Western nations.

However, Orban's call for an immediate ceasefire met with scepticism from Schüssel, who argued that such a move could hasten Ukraine's defeat. Orban countered, warning of the potential for further territorial losses if hostilities persist.

Orban's remarks underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in Eastern Europe, where concerns over Russian aggression intersect with efforts to mitigate conflict and secure regional stability. As discussions continue, the fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance, with leaders grappling with the best course of action to safeguard its sovereignty and security.

Caliber.Az