Orbán and Fico seek to undermine European unity on Ukraine ahead of London summit

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has called for any future EU summit conclusions to include a requirement that Ukraine restore Russian gas transit to Slovakia and Western Europe. This proposal would effectively push for a renewed European reliance on Moscow’s energy exports.

Fico’s remarks, along with those of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, come as Europe scrambles to react to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s dismissive treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during their recent meeting in Washington. While leaders from France, Germany, and other European nations have reaffirmed their support for Kyiv, Orbán has aligned himself with Trump, praising the U.S. leader’s efforts to secure what he called a “brave” peace agreement.

The upcoming EU summit in London, hosted by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will serve as a key test for European unity. Leaders must determine whether they can maintain a common stance or if the actions of Orbán and Fico will deepen internal divisions at a time when Ukraine faces increasing uncertainty on the battlefield.