Hungary has obstructed the European Union’s draft document that proposed security guarantees for Ukraine and a new military aid package, Politico reports.
During a meeting of EU ambassadors on Friday, Hungary opposed the draft text, which outlined potential security assurances from the EU to Kyiv, as well as a new military assistance package.
Hungary’s position on the Ukraine-Russia conflict has been notably different from that of its EU counterparts. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has consistently advocated for immediate peace negotiations and has taken a cautious approach to supporting Ukraine militarily.
In July 2024, Orbán visited Kyiv and proposed a ceasefire as a step towards accelerating peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. However, this proposal was met with skepticism, as Ukrainian officials feared that a premature ceasefire could cement Russian territorial gains.
Hungary’s latest decision to impede the EU’s proposed security guarantees and military aid underscores a broader divide among EU member states regarding their approach to supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing war.
Slovakia Aligns with Hungary on Military Aid Restrictions
In a similar stance, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has declared that Slovakia will no longer provide financial or military assistance to Ukraine.
Fico also dismissed the West’s “peace through strength” approach, calling it an unrealistic policy that does not offer a viable solution to the conflict.
Furthermore, Slovakia has warned that it will implement strict measures against Ukraine if the issue of gas transit through the country is not resolved.
As reported by Reuters, Fico accused Kyiv of causing economic harm by refusing to extend its gas transportation agreement with Russia, potentially affecting energy supplies in Slovakia and other European nations.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Orbán has intensified his diplomatic efforts by sending a letter to European Council President António Costa, urging for direct negotiations between the EU and Russia to reach a ceasefire in Ukraine.
As part of this effort, Orbán has also proposed stalling the adoption of the European Council’s conclusions on Ukraine, a move that could further delay EU-wide initiatives aimed at strengthening Kyiv’s defenses.
Hungary’s continued resistance to EU-led military support for Ukraine highlights growing divisions within the European Union regarding how best to address the conflict.
While some member states remain committed to providing long-term security guarantees and military assistance to Ukraine, Hungary and Slovakia are pushing for a different approach, emphasizing diplomacy and de-escalation over direct military aid.
This ongoing rift within the EU is likely to shape future debates on Europe’s strategy towards Ukraine and its broader geopolitical stance in the region.
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