In a recent statement, leaders of 26 European Union member states have reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s path towards EU membership, with Hungary being the sole outlier. This unified position comes ahead of an upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which has raised concerns among European and Ukrainian officials.
The joint statement, issued on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, emphasized that any peace agreement for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine must respect international law, including the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the right of the Ukrainian people to determine their own future. It explicitly stated that “the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine.”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government has repeatedly voiced its opposition to Ukraine’s accession to the bloc. In June 2025, Orbán’s government blocked the opening of accession talks, arguing that admitting a country at war would “integrate the war” into the EU. This stance, which is based on what the Hungarian government calls “fundamental and strategic reasons,” has been criticized by other EU members. Hungary’s position has been further reinforced by a national consultation, which the government claims showed overwhelming public opposition to Ukraine’s EU membership.
While the EU remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine, European leaders are also keen to ensure their interests are protected in any potential peace negotiations. They have appealed to President Trump to uphold their shared values and have underscored that they will continue to provide financial, military, and diplomatic support to Ukraine as it exercises its right to self-defense.