Hungary Dissents on Ukraine Support as EU Seeks Alternatives

Hungary declined to join a joint EU statement supporting Ukraine at a recent European summit. While the other 26 EU leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed alignment with Donald Trump's peace efforts. The EU is exploring ways to bypass Hungarian vetoes on aid to Ukraine, including a potential €40 billion funding mechanism. Ukraine is pushing to begin EU membership negotiations this year, but Orbán has threatened to block the accession. Discussions on renewing sanctions against Russia are ongoing, with some leaders expressing concerns about undermining peace efforts. Despite disagreements on Ukraine, Hungary supports EU defense investment plans.