“EU leaders plan to support the summit’s declaration on Ukraine, despite Hungary’s resistance. The document includes calls for Russia to stop aggression and security guarantees for Ukraine”, — write: www.radiosvoboda.org
Hungary’s lack of plans to approve the summit’s conclusions on Ukraine was confirmed by several diplomats familiar with the preparation of the event, but not authorized to make official comments.
In the latest version of the declaration, compared to the previous ones, in particular, the paragraph where the EU calls on Russia to “agree to a complete, unconditional and immediate ceasefire” has been edited. The leaders supplement it with a mention that Ukraine did this in March 2025, and also remind about the principles outlined by the European Union at the same time, in March 2025, which should be the basis of peace negotiations. Among them, in particular, is the presence of Ukraine in any negotiation process, as well as Europe, if it is about security on its territory, a ceasefire as part of the process aimed at ensuring a comprehensive peace.
It is also stated that Ukraine needs reliable security guarantees and maximum strengthening of its position before, during and after the negotiations. The conclusions of the summit in this part are edited against the background of a possible intensification of the diplomatic process aimed at ending the war. US President Donald Trump had planned to meet again with Vladimir Putin in Budapest, but the summit was postponed due to uncertainty over the outcome.
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In the conclusions of the summit, there is a mention of the EU’s plans “to provide Ukraine with regular and predictable financial support in the long term, together with like-minded partners and allies.”
As you know, Hungary is opposed to providing Ukraine with a reparation loan at the expense of frozen Russian assets. Its consent is not required for this decision, but it means that the financial guarantees for Belgium, where the assets are stored, will have to be shared among fewer EU member states.
EU leaders are expected to call on the European Commission to present concrete proposals for the possible gradual use of cash balances linked to frozen Russian assets “in accordance with EU and international law.” The use of assets, it is stated, “must be supported by appropriate solidarity and risk sharing on the part of the EU.”
The European Union has also moved forward with discussions around the 19th package of sanctions blocked by Slovakia. Diplomats told RFE/RL that the chances of its approval have increased. This also follows from the latest version of the summit declaration, which states that the European Council “welcomes the approval of the 19th package of sanctions.” The word “welcomes” is enclosed in square brackets, indicating that a final agreement has yet to be reached. However, the previous version of the conclusions also considered the option of limiting themselves to a call for their approval. In the new version of the declaration, this appeal has disappeared.
From March 2025, Hungary does not support the “Ukrainian part” of the EU summit conclusions, which condemn Russia’s aggression and contain Moscow’s calls for serious negotiations. Viktor Orban explained this by a different “strategic approach” to the war in Ukraine.
At the summit on March 6, 2025, the Hungarian Prime Minister blocked the chapter on Ukraine due to what he considered to be harsh statements about “supporting the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine” and “peace through strength.”
On October 23, Viktor Orban, as reported, will be absent at the beginning of the summit, where it is planned to discuss Ukraine with the personal participation of Volodymyr Zelenskyi.