BRUSSELS — On Thursday, a joint statement supporting Ukraine was signed by all European Union nations except Hungary, marking the second occasion in a month where Hungary stood alone in the bloc by not endorsing such declarations. The statement reaffirmed the EU’s steadfast backing of Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity, supported by 26 of the 27 EU leaders at a summit in Brussels.
This isolated stance leaves Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán increasingly on his own amidst growing support for Ukraine among other European nations. Although he cannot halt EU assistance to Ukraine, Hungary’s European counterparts are finding alternative ways to bypass any potential vetoes.
Meanwhile, Orbán finds an ally in U.S. President Donald Trump, who advocates for a ceasefire in Ukraine and has placed blame on Kyiv for prolonging the conflict initiated by Russia. This perspective starkly contrasts with the broader European consensus aiming to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
EU member states strive for unanimous decisions on critical issues, especially in matters of foreign affairs. Under Orbán’s nationalist leadership, Hungary has increasingly diverged from EU unity regarding the conflict in Ukraine, often stalling significant aid and sanctions packages. However, other EU countries are showing readiness to move forward without Hungary’s involvement, as demonstrated during a recent summit in Brussels.
Orbán maintains close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin and supports Trump’s peace negotiations, which have notably excluded both Kyiv and the EU. Hungary had already dissented from a prior EU statement advocating peace through strength, leveraging European military and financial support for Ukraine.
Before the summit, Hungary’s European Affairs Minister Janos Boka hinted at the nation’s refusal to sign the joint statement, arguing that parts of it conflicted with Hungary’s strategic interests concerning Europe’s security framework.
EU officials and leaders from other member states have expressed reluctance to extend debates with Hungary over Ukraine resolutions, as they see agreement as unattainable. During an earlier emergency summit, European Council President Antonio Costa remarked on Hungary’s isolation, emphasizing that the overwhelming majority stood against Hungary’s position.
While Hungary can delay collective decisions and pose symbolic challenges, it lacks the power to obstruct major EU financial or defense enhancements benefitting Ukraine. Despite ongoing discussions about Ukraine’s future with the EU, efforts continue to showcase solidarity with Kyiv. Recent proposals from northern EU countries urge the European Commission to expedite Ukraine’s membership bid, which was approved for negotiation last year.
Sweden’s European Affairs Minister highlighted that backing Ukraine’s EU membership process contributes to the continent’s overall security. While accession normally involves prolonged reforms, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has hinted at potential EU membership for Ukraine by decade’s end.
In Hungary, Orbán threatens to impede Ukraine’s path to EU membership with planned public consultations and the requirement of unanimity in enlargement decisions, reminiscent of stalled attempts by countries like Turkey.
The United States continues to play a pivotal role, but its future support for Ukraine seems uncertain following recent tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. At a meeting of far-right EU leaders preceding the summit, Orbán expressed opposition to financing Ukraine’s defense efforts, favoring Trump’s peace initiatives instead.
While European leaders deliberate on sustained strategies for Ukraine, it is largely the U.S. that influences the ongoing conflict dynamics. After discussions led by Trump, Ukraine and Russia reached a preliminary agreement on a limited ceasefire, though its implementation remains pending.
