The European Union has firmly rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s demand to halt military aid to Ukraine, reaffirming its commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s ongoing invasion. This came after Putin doubled down on his call during a phone conversation with former U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, where he insisted that cutting off military and intelligence assistance to Kyiv was crucial for preventing further escalation and achieving peace.
However, during a summit in Brussels on Thursday, EU leaders unanimously agreed to continue their military support for Ukraine. Their collective stance emphasized that Ukraine must possess a strong military and defense capability as a cornerstone of its defense and future security. The European Union’s support for Ukraine’s military needs, including weapons and ammunition, remains steadfast.
The EU’s position contrasts sharply with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has long been a vocal critic of the EU’s policy on Ukraine. Orbán, who has repeatedly opposed EU military assistance to Kyiv and delayed the approval of sanctions against Russia, refused to sign the statement. As a result, the conclusions were endorsed by 26 EU leaders, leaving Hungary’s stance on the matter in isolation.
EU leaders also reiterated their support for Ukraine’s aspirations towards EU membership, though Orbán has previously used his veto power to slow down this process. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s president, addressed the summit, urging EU leaders to address internal blockages to ensure that promises of support are realized. He specifically pointed to Orbán’s obstruction as detrimental to European unity, stating that it undermines efforts for peace and security on the continent.
The EU’s rejection of Putin’s demand highlights the ongoing division within Europe over the conflict in Ukraine, with Hungary remaining a key outlier in the bloc’s approach. This diplomatic rift comes as Putin continues to push for political conditions tied to any potential ceasefire, while Ukraine’s allies remain resolute in their support.
