Hungary refuses to join EU statement on Trump’s Ukraine peace push

Brussels (dpa) – Hungary has refused to back a joint statement by the other 26 EU member states welcoming US President Donald Trump‘s efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The declaration, issued by EU leaders on Tuesday, said international borders must not be changed by force, and any “just and lasting peace” must uphold international law, including the principles of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Hungary does not associate itself with this statement,” it concluded.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán‘s right-wing government opposes EU military aid to Ukraine, which it says is prolonging the conflict, and has criticised sanctions on Russia as ineffective and harmful to Europe’s economy. Orbán has previously forced the lifting of EU sanctions on certain Russian individuals.

During Hungary’s EU presidency in the second half of 2024, Orban angered fellow leaders by visiting President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and portraying himself as a mediator.

Orbán is also seen as a close ally of Trump, who will host Putin in the US state of Alaska on Friday for talks on Ukraine. Kiev and its European allies fear the meeting could produce agreements unfavourable to Ukraine.

Trump has framed the meeting as an attempt to move closer to ending the fighting, and last week spoke of “swapping” portions of territory.

The EU statement reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s right to decide its own future, saying meaningful negotiations were only possible within a ceasefire or a reduction in hostilities.

“The people of Ukraine must have the freedom to decide their future. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine,” the statement said.

“The European Union underlines the inherent right of Ukraine to choose its own destiny and will continue supporting Ukraine on its path towards EU membership.” (August 12)