Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated on Saturday that Hungary will have a decisive role in determining Ukraine's potential EU membership, casting uncertainty over its European ambitions.
During his annual State of the Nation address in Budapest, Orban referred to Ukraine as a "buffer zone" between Russia and NATO, implying that this status would persist even after the ongoing three-year war with Russia concludes.
He also emphasised that Hungary would not back Ukraine's EU accession if it negatively impacts Hungarian farmers and businesses.
The EU began membership talks with Ukraine in June 2024, requiring unanimous approval from all 27 members for accession.
Orban, seen as the Kremlin’s closest ally in the bloc, has previously threatened to veto EU sanctions on Russia but ultimately backed them.
He also appeared to question Ukraine’s statehood, claiming the war was “not even about Ukraine, but about the territory called Ukraine” being placed under NATO control.
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