EU leaders, excluding Hungary, unite in a joint statement regarding Ukraine
In a significant move, leaders of 26 EU countries issued a joint statement on Ukraine ahead of peace talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The statement, released on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, outlines diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine.
The joint statement emphasizes the path to peace cannot be determined without Ukraine, and the people of Ukraine must have the freedom to decide their own future. It underscores the importance of achieving a just and lasting peace that respects international law, including Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, with no border changes by force.
The statement affirms Ukraine’s right to decide its own future, with meaningful negotiations possible only in the context of a ceasefire or reduction in hostilities. It also calls for coordinated political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support to Ukraine to exercise its inherent right of self-defense.
The EU will continue to support Ukraine on its path towards EU membership, as stated in the joint declaration. However, Hungary notably did not associate itself with this statement.
The joint declaration also maintains and imposes restrictive measures against Russia until peace is secured. It supports robust and credible security guarantees enabling Ukraine to defend itself effectively, which the EU and Member States are ready to contribute to based on their competences and in line with international law.
The statement clearly rejects Russia’s aggression and affirms the need for a diplomatic solution protecting Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests. It also coordinates with the United States and other like-minded partners to sustain these efforts.
Viktor Orbán, Hungarian Prime Minister, has expressed reservations about these diplomatic efforts. He believes that the supply of military aid to Kyiv only prolongs the war, and considers the rejection of cheap Russian energy resources detrimental to the EU's economy.
The diplomatic solution, if successful, will help protect Ukraine's and the EU’s key security interests, as stated in the joint declaration. The leaders of the EU welcome Trump’s efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, but the outcome of the peace talks remains to be seen.
[1] EU leaders issue joint statement on Ukraine (2025, August 12). Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/politics/20250812STO74188/eu-leaders-issue-joint-statement-on-ukraine
[2] Orbán criticizes EU's stance on Ukraine (2025, August 13). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/orban-criticizes-eus-stance-ukraine-2025-08-13/
[3] Trump and Putin to discuss Ukraine peace talks (2025, August 14). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-58324564
In the joint statement, the EU leaders stressed the need for Ukraine to be part of discussions for peace, asserting the nation's right to decide its own future in accordance with international law. The statement also calls for multifaceted support to Ukraine, including political, financial, and military aid, to help them defend themselves effectively.
Despite the general consensus, Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, expressed reservations about providing military aid to Ukraine, stating he believes it only prolongs the conflict and considers the rejection of cheap Russian energy resources detrimental to the EU's economy.
