PM Orbán with Putin again: Hungary vetoed EU’s declaration against Russia

Despite reports from Brussels sources indicating Hungary’s veto of a joint EU declaration planned to coincide with the second anniversary of Russia’s war on Ukraine, recent events suggest otherwise. The statement was released on Friday afternoon alongside a separate statement issued by the Hungarian government addressing the conflict.

An anonymous source informed Szabad Európa that the EU declaration commemorating the second anniversary of the Ukraine war was vetoed by the Hungarian government without providing any reason. According to a diplomat in a position of authority, the Hungarian government found the language of the statement excessively forceful.

Hungary has consistently blocked multiple EU statements in recent times including a joint declaration opposing Israel’s latest land offensive in Gaza. The statement, which Hungary vetoed, was a joint statement by EU leaders including Charles Michel of the European Council, Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission and Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament. However, any declaration representing the European Union needs unanimous support from all 27 member states.

Statement from the Hungarian government

The Government Information Centre issued a statement on Friday addressing the two-year war in Ukraine. In the statement, Hungary expressed condolences for the victims of the conflict, extended sympathy for the hundreds of thousands of widows and orphans affected and pledged support for Ukraine in caring for the wounded and war invalids.

Hungary also reaffirmed its dedication to assisting millions of displaced persons through its most extensive humanitarian aid program to date, while actively participating in bolstering Ukraine’s energy security and reconstruction endeavours, according to Index. Hungary maintains a steadfast position that there is no military resolution to the conflict. The government urges for an immediate ceasefire and peace negotiations, calling upon all parties involved in the conflict to engage in talks toward this goal.

The EU’s decision

The leading EU institutions including the European Council, the European Commission and the European Parliament issued a statement authorised by the leaders of the member states, while individual member states also released separate declarations.

The joint statement highlights the tragic anniversary of Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine, emphasising two years of violence and destruction in violation of international law. Despite the ongoing suffering, the statement acknowledges Ukraine’s resilience, and how the people who stayed in the country bravely defended and continue to defend their homeland and fight for freedom and shared European values.

They also emphasised the EU’s ongoing commitment to address Ukraine’s urgent military and defence requirements, highlighting the implementation of unprecedented measures as a united Europe, while working on future security commitments. Additionally, they expressed readiness to escalate pressure on Russia to weaken its military capabilities and affirmed the allocation of funds from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.

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