European Union leaders have reiterated their steadfast backing for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia this week – though Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán once again declined to sign the joint statement.
In a declaration issued following a Brussels summit, all EU heads of state and government, except Orbán, reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This marks the second time this month that Hungary has been the sole EU member state to withhold its endorsement of such a statement.
The leaders emphasized the EU’s approach of achieving “peace through strength,” ensuring Ukraine is in the best possible position militarily and defensively. “The EU remains committed to full and continued support for Ukraine and its people as they exercise their inalienable right to self-defense in the face of Russia’s aggressive war,” the statement read.
The summit participants also expressed their readiness to increase pressure on Russia through further sanctions and stressed the importance of maintaining frozen Russian assets in accordance with EU law. These measures, they stated, would remain in place until Moscow ends its aggression and compensates Ukraine for the damage inflicted by the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addressing the summit via video link, urged EU nations to approve a financial package worth at least €5 billion for artillery purchases and to maintain pressure on Russia.
“It is simply against Europe when one person blocks decisions that are important for the entire continent,” Zelenskyy said, in a clear reference to Orbán.
Hungary’s prime minister has long been regarded as the EU leader closest to Russian President Vladimir Putin, often opposing measures aimed at isolating Moscow.
