EU countries issue statement supporting Ukraine, not approved by Hungary
Brussels, August 12 (Hibya) – 26 EU countries issued a statement in support of Ukraine ahead of the Alaska talks, without Hungary’s participation. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said the EU is trying to set conditions for a meeting to which EU leaders were not invited. He also called for an EU–Russia summit.
EU leaders, ahead of the upcoming US–Russia summit scheduled for this Friday, issued a joint statement to underline their unwavering support for Ukraine. All EU leaders except Hungary, which expressed reservations, signed the text.
The “EU 26” statement welcomed President Trump’s efforts “to end Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine and to ensure a just and lasting peace and security for Ukraine.”
Emphasising Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the leaders stressed the need for a lasting peace that respects international law.
The statement said: “International borders should not be changed by force.”
The leaders, assessing the upcoming Alaska summit between the US and Russia, stated that the path to peace cannot be determined without Ukraine. The EU has, over the past two days, pressed for President Zelensky to be included in the talks. The leaders also stressed that any diplomatic solution must protect Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests.
The statement was prepared by European Council President António Costa and was approved by leaders last night. However, Hungary refused to sign the statement.
The text read: “Hungary does not associate itself with this Statement.”
Shortly after the publication of the “EU 26” statement, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán posted on his X account explaining his decision:
“Before the liberal-mainstream choir starts singing their favourite song in its newest rendition – ‘Putin’s puppet’ – I decided to share why I CANNOT support this statement on behalf of Hungary,” Orbán wrote. The Prime Minister outlined three points:
1. The statement aims to set conditions for a meeting to which EU leaders are not invited.
2. It is already sad enough that the EU is sidelined. The only problem is that we are starting to give instructions from the podium.
3. The only logical action for EU leaders is to initiate an EU–Russia summit, following the example of the US–Russia talks. Let’s give peace a chance!
Usa News Agency