Hungary has refused to support a joint statement by the other 26 EU member states welcoming US President Donald Trump's efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
The declaration issued by EU leaders said that international borders should not be changed by force and any just and lasting peace must respect international law, including the principles of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Hungary does not associate itself with this statement“, the declaration concluded.
The right-wing government of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban opposes EU military aid to Ukraine, which it says prolonging the conflict, and criticizing sanctions against Russia as ineffective and damaging to the European economy. The Hungarian prime minister has previously pushed for the lifting of EU sanctions against certain citizens of the Russian Federation.
During Hungary's EU presidency in the second half of 2024, he has irritated other leaders by visiting President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and presenting himself as a mediator.
Orbán is also considered a close ally of Trump, who will host Putin in the US state of Alaska for peace talks in Ukraine. Kiev and its European allies fear the meeting could lead to agreements unfavorable to Ukraine.
Trump described the meeting as an attempt to move closer to a cessation of hostilities and last week talked about a "swap" of parts of the territory. The EU statement reaffirmed support for Ukraine's right to decide its own future, saying that meaningful negotiations are only possible within the framework of a ceasefire or a reduction in hostilities.
“The people of Ukraine must have the freedom to decide their own future. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine“, the statement said.
“The European Union underlines Ukraine's inherent right to choose its own destiny and will continue to support Ukraine on its path towards EU membership“, the EU leaders' statement stressed.