Political analyst calls Orban's words on Ukraine a hint at the pointlessness of aid to Kiev

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's statements on the conflict in Ukraine are not only a forecast, but also his hint at the senselessness of further support for Kiev. This was stated by the chairman of the International Center for Combating Crime and Terrorism, international political scientist Enes Karakhanov, in a conversation with Izvestiya on 24 December.

Earlier in the day, Orban admitted that Russia's special operation in Ukraine will end in 2025. According to him, the Ukrainian conflict may end either with a peace agreement or the complete elimination of one of the parties. In addition, Orban previously noted that the European Union has lost in the conflict in Ukraine.

"The emphasis on 'the elimination of one of the parties' paints an extremely bleak prospect, hinting at the likelihood of the long-term exhaustion of Ukraine, which already faces serious economic and demographic problems <...>." His words that 'the EU has already lost' in the conflict can be seen as an attempt to undermine EU unity, strengthen Euroskeptic sentiments and emphasize the pointlessness of further support for Ukraine," Karakhanov commented.

Thus, he emphasized, Orban's statements can also be considered a kind of signal to Kiev. In his opinion, Hungary as a member of the EU remains in a special position: it formally supports the sanctions policy against Russia, but constantly criticizes its effectiveness and necessity.

"This may be a hint that, according to Budapest, Ukraine has less and less time and fewer opportunities to achieve its goals in the conflict. However, such rhetoric contributes little to de-escalation and strengthens the feeling of Ukraine's geopolitical isolation," the publication's interlocutor believes.

Among other things, he added, Orban's words should be viewed not only as a forecast, but also as an instrument of pressure - Hungary is trying to assert its role as a mediator or "alternative voice" in the European Union. The politician's statement, the political analyst said, emphasizes the limited opportunities for Ukraine in the long term, suggesting that the conflict will either end with territorial concessions by Kiev or become a disaster for one of the parties.

"It is important to note that Orban, talking about a 'peace agreement' as one of the scenarios, most likely implies an option that would be favorable for Russia," the expert concluded.

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Also on Tuesday, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko expressed confidence that a negotiation process on Ukraine would start in 2025. She emphasized that Russia was ready for compromises in the course of negotiations with the Ukrainian side, but did not intend to give up "not one iota" of the main conditions.

For his part, the Kremlin's official representative, Dmitriy Peskov, said that there were no moves towards openness to negotiations on the part of Ukraine. He specified that Russia was open to settling the situation on the Ukrainian side, but Kiev did not demonstrate its readiness.

The special operation to protect Donbass, the start of which was announced on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the background of the aggravated situation in the region.