Although European leaders have regularly reiterated their support for Kyiv against Moscow, that support now seems less resolute. Faced with a war at Europe’s borders that has dragged on since February 2022, the rise of nationalist parties across Europe, numerous uncertainties tied to Donald Trump’s return to the White House and increased attention on the situation in the Middle East, Ukraine is no longer the absolute priority.
Still, the European Union’s 27 member states can’t ignore the conflict, as Vladimir Putin’s expansionist aims could one day affect them as well. On Thursday, June 26, during a meeting in Brussels, European leaders want to signal their unwavering commitment to Kyiv.
But for the third time since early March, they have to do so as 26, without the pro-Russian Hungary, making it a symbolic – but empty – gesture. This highlights Budapest’s increasingly rigid stance, as Hungary has for three years driven a hard bargain in return for joining Europe’s consensus on helping Ukraine. With a year to go before Hungary’s elections, Prime Minister Viktor Orban is becoming tougher in negotiations, with some at the table fearing the consequences.
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