The leaders of the European Union issued a joint statement ahead of the US-Russia summit this Friday to highlight their unwavering support for Ukraine. All EU leaders signed up for the text, except for Hungary, which had reservations with the idea. The statement by the EU 26 welcomed the efforts of President Trump towards "ending Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and achieving a just and lasting peace and security for Ukraine." Leaders highlighted a lasting peace is needed with respect of international law, highlighting the territorial integrity of Ukraine. "International borders must not be changed by force," - the statement said. Leaders also reflected on the upcoming Alaska summit between the US and Russia, saying the path for peace can not be decided without Ukraine. In the last two days, the EU made a push for President Zelenskyy to be included at the talks. The leaders also demanded that any diplomatic solution must protect Ukraine's and Europe's vital security interests. The text also gave a clear sign that the EU is willing to provide further political, financial, and military support to Ukraine for its self defence and demanded security guarantees for Kyiv. In addition, they pledged support for Ukraine's path towards EU membership. The statement was drafted by EU Council president António Costa and agreed by leaders last night. But Hungary refused to sign up. "Hungary does not associate itself with this Statement," - the text concluded. Shortly after the EU 26 statement was published, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán published a post on his X account, justifying his decision: "Before the liberal-mainstream chorus begins its newest rendition of their favourite 'Putin's puppet' tune, I decided to share why I could NOT support the statement on behalf of Hungary," Orbán wrote. The Prime Minister raised 3 points: 1. The statement attempts to set conditions for a meeting to which leaders of the EU were not invited. 2. The fact that the EU was left on the sidelines is sad enough as it is. The only thing that could make things worse is if we started providing instructions from the bench. 3. The only sensible action for EU leaders is to initiate an EU-Russia summit, based on the example of the US-Russia meeting. Let's give peace a chance! - Orbán concluded his post. Earlier, Hungary systematically rejected EU statements calling for military or financial support for Ukraine or demanding help for the EU path for Kyiv. Viktor Orbán's government is also actively campaigning against the EU aspiration of the war-torn nation, saying the accession of Ukraine would be an economic and security disaster for Hungary and Europe. The Hungarian government also concluded a non-binding poll called Voks2025 about Ukraine's EU accession, where 95 % of the respondents, more than 2 million people, said they were opposed to Ukraine joining the EU. — Euronews
