Photo: Nicolas Tucat/Getty Images
The leaders of the European Union decided to provide military assistance to Ukraine, despite open opposition from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Hungary has traditionally blocked any initiatives to support Kyiv, but this time the other 26 states decided to move forward without it. This was another signal of Orban’s diplomatic isolation, as he continues to focus on the Kremlin and hopes for a possible return of Donald Trump to the White House. This was reported by Politico.
In a joint statement, the European leaders reaffirmed that peace can only be secured through strength. They stressed that Ukraine must have strong defence capabilities, and the EU will continue to support Kyiv with all available means, including financial, humanitarian and military assistance. The EU also pledged to increase pressure on Russia through new sanctions and stricter control over existing restrictions.
It was expected that Hungary might be supported in its blocking by Slovakia. However, Prime Minister Robert Fico, known for his pro-Russian rhetoric, agreed to the final text of the statement after the EU promised to take Bratislava’s interests into account in negotiations on gas supplies. Nevertheless, there is no direct mention of the possibility of resuming Russian gas transit through Ukraine in the document.
Abandoning the principle of unanimity in making this decision may become a new stage in the adoption of key decisions in the EU. Brussels is increasingly looking for ways to circumvent Hungarian vetoes in order to maintain unity in countering Russia’s aggression.
