The Hungarian government has urged the EU to refrain from any new initiatives that could undermine U.S.-led negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
Hungary has become a significant obstacle within the EU, blocking consensus on a unified response to Donald Trump’s proposal for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
Trump’s initiative, introduced without consulting Western allies, has strained transatlantic relations and raised concerns that Ukraine may be pressured into a detrimental agreement, weakening Europe’s long-term security. His use of Russian terminology, such as calling Zelensky a “dictator,” has further intensified these fears.
As EU countries try to develop new proposals to enhance financial and military support for Ukraine, Hungary may present a major hurdle. Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed hope that Trump’s administration would act as a mediator to bring peace and boost the economy. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto threatened to block the extension of EU sanctions on Russian and Belarusian individuals unless the EU allows time for U.S.-Russia negotiations.
Szijjarto also criticized Brussels for “hasty decisions” that disrupt peace efforts and opposed further aid to Ukraine, stating, “We will not support spending European taxpayers’ money to prolong the war.”