Orbán threatens veto on new EU weapons for Ukraine, asks EU to hold direct talks with Putin – UPDATE: government reaction
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has sent a letter to Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, urging the EU to reconsider its approach to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The letter, which was obtained by Válasz Online, outlines Orbán’s opposition to the proposed written conclusions on Ukraine scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Brussels summit on 6 March 2025.
Orbán’s key objections and proposals
According to Válasz Online, Orbán expresses his disapproval of the draft conclusions, which include a proposal for the EU to provide additional weapons to Ukraine, including air defense systems, missiles, and projectiles, as part of a new EUR 20 billion fund. The Hungarian PM suggests that the EU should follow the United States’ approach and engage in direct peace negotiations with Vladimir Putin’s government. Additionally, Orbán recommends that the EU should, at most, support the UN Security Council resolution that generally calls for peace between warring parties,
without specifically condemning Russia as an aggressor.
Implications for EU unity and decision-making
Orbán’s letter implies a threat to veto any decisions on additional military aid to Ukraine, arguing that such a declaration would demonstrate a lack of unity within the EU. The spring EU meeting is expected to focus on European defense and how to contribute to the continent’s peace and Ukraine’s long-term security. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has promised a comprehensive plan to develop the EU’s arms production and defense capabilities.
International reactions
Most EU governments and Ukraine find the idea of direct negotiations with Russia without involving the Ukrainian government unthinkable. During the vote on the UN Security Council resolution mentioned by Orbán, European countries abstained, while Russia, the USA, and China supported it.
Here is the Hungarian government’s version of the leaked letter
Ahead of a European Union summit on Thursday, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has made it clear that negotiations and peace are needed, not arms deliveries to Ukraine, portal Mandiner said on Saturday.
Mandiner learnt that Orbán recommended in a letter to António Costa, the president of the European Council, that the EU should follow US President Donald Trump’s policy and start peace negotiations with Russia. In the leaked letter, reported on by the Financial Times, Orbán said there were strategic differences in the approach to Ukraine among member states that could not be bridged by drafting or communication.
Mandiner said that the summit on Thursday was expected to decide on setting up a new, 20 billion euro fund to purchase air defence equipment and missiles for Ukraine. In his letter to Costa, Orbán noted that setting up such a fund would require a unanimous decision, which was not possible without Hungary’s support.
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