During the European Union summit, which will take place on October 23-24, 26 member countries will approve a declaration supporting Ukraine. This is indicated by the latest version of the draft final document, in which the section on Ukraine is highlighted separately.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Hungary’s Position and Changes in the Conclusions
Hungary is once again refraining from formally supporting the summit’s conclusions regarding Ukraine. Diplomatic sources have confirmed that Budapest does not plan to endorse the conclusions, although no official comments have been made on this matter. The reason for this position, as noted by Prime Minister Viktor Orban back in March 2025, is a “different strategic approach” to the war in Ukraine.
The draft declaration of the EU summit has significantly revised the paragraph regarding demands on the Russian Federation – it now includes not only a call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire but also a mention that Ukraine complied with this in March 2025. The European Union also reminds of the principles established at that time, among which is the mandatory participation of Ukraine in any negotiations, the involvement of European countries in the process of ensuring security on the continent, and the ceasefire as an element of a broad peace settlement.
“Ukraine needs reliable security guarantees and maximum strengthening of its position before, during, and after negotiations.”
Sanctions, Financial Support, and Negotiation Prospects
The summit declaration stipulates that the EU will continue to provide Ukraine with regular and predictable financial assistance alongside partners and allies. At the same time, Hungary opposes reparative loans for Ukraine funded by frozen Russian assets. Its agreement is not mandatory; however, it affects the distribution of guarantees among the countries where these assets are held, including Belgium.
EU leaders plan to urge the European Commission to develop specific proposals for the gradual use of cash reserves related to blocked Russian assets, in accordance with European and international law. The use of these funds should be accompanied by solidarity and a fair distribution of risks among member states.
Among other important issues is the preparation for the approval of the 19th sanctions package, which is still blocked by Slovakia. The latest version of the declaration states that the Euro Council “welcomes the approval of the 19th sanctions package,” although this phrase is currently indicated in square brackets, indicating a lack of final agreement. Previous versions contained only a call for the approval of sanctions, but this call is absent in the new text.
It is worth reminding that since March 2025, Hungary has not supported the section of the EU summit conclusions that condemns Russia’s aggression and includes calls for serious negotiations from Moscow. At the summit on March 6, Viktor Orban blocked the section regarding Ukraine due to wording that he deemed too harsh, particularly concerning “support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine” and the call for “peace through strength.”
During the summit on October 23, when the situation in Ukraine is scheduled to be discussed with the participation of Volodymyr Zelensky, Viktor Orban will be absent at the beginning of the meeting.