The divide between Hungary and the EU regarding the Ukraine war is growing, highlighted by Budapest's refusal to endorse a joint summit statement for the second consecutive week. While Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government remains supportive of U.S. peace negotiations that exclude both Ukraine and the EU, the remaining EU countries chose to proceed without Hungary's agreement. Orban contends that EU backing prolongs the war, a stance that is increasingly becoming normalized as EU diplomats express frustration over trying to reach a consensus that seems unattainable.
The Hungarian leader, who has the warmest relationship to Moscow in the EU, argues that EU support of Ukraine prolongs the war, which started with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 to widespread international condemnation.
The European Council reaffirms its continued and unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, leaders wrote in a statement signed off by 26 countries.
Instead of spending hours haggling with Prime Minister Viktor Orban in a bid for unanimity among all 27 states as they have often done, the remaining states simply pressed on.
Orban has enthusiastically welcomed the negotiations that have largely excluded both Kyiv and the EU, stating, 'In our understanding, there is one simple mission [for] the European Union, to support [US] President Donald Trump's efforts to make peace.'
EU diplomats from other countries and officials told reporters there was no point wasting time pursuing an agreement that would never be found.
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