Major Division in EU as Leaders Strike Ukraine Arms Deal — Without Hungary

The joint statement emphasizes that achieving “peace through strength” necessitates placing Ukraine in the strongest possible position, with a well-equipped military and robust defense capabilities playing a crucial role. It reaffirms the European Union’s commitment to working alongside allies and like-minded partners to provide Ukraine with enhanced political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support.

Additionally, the EU vows to intensify pressure on Russia by implementing further sanctions and strengthening enforcement of existing ones to weaken Moscow’s ability to sustain its war of aggression.

Coalition of the Willing

Earlier in the day, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told reporters that European leaders were considering forming a “coalition of the willing” to prevent any single member state from blocking collective action.

While such a move would challenge the EU’s fundamental principles, it could enable the bloc to present a more unified foreign policy. However, major decisions like sanctions still require unanimous approval, meaning further conflicts with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán are likely.

Internal Divisions and Political Maneuvering

Efforts to replace American military aid have been met with resistance from Russia-friendly leaders. While concerns arose that Slovakia might align with Hungary in obstructing an agreement, Prime Minister Robert Fico managed to secure language in the joint statement that acknowledges Bratislava’s push for Ukraine to restart Russian gas pipelines running through Slovak territory. However, the final version softened this wording, avoiding an explicit endorsement of resuming Russian gas flows.

“Fico remains pragmatic,” noted Milan Nič, a senior fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations. “The key development is that Orbán is now standing increasingly alone—convinced that Trump’s return will weaken the EU’s cohesion.”