EU leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine without Hungary's backing

BRUSSELS

The leaders of European Union member states on Thursday adopted conclusions on its commitment to military assistance and Ukraine's future EU membership without the backing of Hungary.

Meeting in Brussels for a summit, the European Council called for stepped-up military support to Ukraine, including the urgent delivery of air defense systems, anti-drone equipment, and large-caliber ammunition in response to intensified Russian attacks.

In the conclusions adopted at the summit, the leaders urged deeper cooperation between Ukraine and the European defense industry.

The leaders emphasized that "any lasting peace must be accompanied by robust and credible security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression, saying: "The European Union and Member States are ready to contribute to security guarantees, in particular by supporting Ukraine's ability to deter aggression and defend itself effectively, based on their respective competences and capabilities, in line with international law."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the summit remotely.

EU leaders reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the more than three-year-long conflict.

The Council reaffirmed its support for Ukraine's reconstruction and EU accession.

Commending Ukraine's progress on reforms under wartime conditions, the leaders encouraged Kyiv and the European Commission to advance the membership process.

The conclusions were adopted without Hungary's backing, an EU official said. Earlier on Thursday, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban voiced strong opposition to Ukraine's potential accession to the EU.