Hungary’s Orbán refuses to endorse EU’s pro-Ukraine statement

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has publicly broken with other European Union leaders, refusing to endorse a joint statement on Ukraine ahead of a planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

Orbán argues that the EU should not be issuing instructions for a meeting it wasn't invited to, and instead should take the initiative to hold its own summit with Russia.

In a post on X, Orbán explained his decision, writing, "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." He outlined three main 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." He concluded with, "Let’s give peace a chance!"

This dissent occurred as leaders from 26 other EU member states adopted a joint statement on August 11, expressing support for Ukraine and its sovereignty. The document confirms Hungary's refusal to sign. 

The joint statement itself expresses backing for President Trump's efforts to achieve "a just and lasting peace and security for Ukraine." 

It also emphasises key principles, including that "international borders should not be changed by force," that "the people of Ukraine should have the freedom to decide their own future," and that "the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be determined without Ukraine." 

It adds that "meaningful negotiations can only take place in conditions of a ceasefire or a reduction in hostilities" and closes with a clear note: "Hungary did not join this statement."

By Tamilla Hasanova