Budapest (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Hungary’s European Affairs Minister Janos Boka told the Financial Times on Thursday that he opposes including Ukraine in Europe’s defence system and the process of its fastened accession to the European Union while stating that “we see the need for a buffer zone” between the bloc and Russia.
“Ukraine can only function as a buffer zone if there is a consensus among global actors on what is possible and what is not possible on the territory of Ukraine,”
Boka described.
“Otherwise, it will be a conflict zone, not a buffer zone.”
In response to Hungary’s refusal to adhere to the strict EU policy of imposing heavy sanctions on Russia over its military operation in Ukraine, Boka stated that
“[w]e do not want decisions on the sanctions regime to become an obstacle to the ceasefire and peace negotiations”
Amid the ongoing talks between Moscow and the US.
He further warned that:
“If either the US or the EU does something in Ukraine without [Vladimir] Putin’s approval, this in itself is a source of conflict.”
How are EU diplomats responding to Hungary’s opposition?
It was acknowledged by diplomats from other EU nations that Hungary’s “strategic divergence” from its partners appeared to be unbridgeable and that informal talks were taking place over ways to stop Budapest’s veto in unanimous decision-making.
“Continued opposition towards Ukraine sooner or later must have conclusions for the position of Hungary,”
Stated one senior EU diplomat, saying that some EU foreign ministers debated repercussions for Budapest at a gathering on Monday.
“This debate has been launched.”
Trump’s rapprochement with Moscow has increased Hungary’s swagger, which Bóka says is both geopolitical and ideological.
“Many people make the mistake of underestimating the extent of the Trump administration’s dislike of European institutions,”
Bóka stated.
“[Trump] sees the EU not just as an international body with opposing interests, but as a political opponent, and treats it accordingly.”
