EU prepares for pro-Russian leaders, led by Orbán, to disrupt summit – Politico
Photo: The EU is preparing for the possibility that pro-Russian leaders may disrupt the summit (flick com libereurope)
European diplomats are preparing for the possibility that a pro-Russian group of leaders, led by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, may disrupt the upcoming EU summit. It will take place on Thursday, March 6, Politico reports.
As the media resource notes, ahead of the summit, European Union leadership is concerned not only about the United States, which could impose a deal on the EU and Ukraine that makes concessions to Russia but also about its own members.
According to Politico, diplomats are already preparing for the possibility that the pro-Russian group of leaders, led by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, may block key decisions at the summit.
The number of topics to be discussed and the lack of unity among EU leaders suggest that the summit could take different directions. Leaders will consider how they can quickly redirect resources to strengthen the military, while also trying to show support for Ukraine, such as reaffirming its path to EU membership.
Politico points out that disputes are already emerging over providing more military aid to Ukraine. European officials had expected that the summit statement would include a plan to supply Ukraine with at least 1.5 million rounds of artillery ammunition, as well as other equipment, including air defense systems, missiles, and drones, this year. This plan was announced last month by EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas.
The final statement will not appear until the end of the summit, but the draft, which Politico reviewed, includes a call to find a way to ensure continued weapons deliveries. Officials have stated that Hungary refuses to agree to this.
EU summit
The EU leaders’ summit will take place on Thursday, March 6. It will focus on European defense and Ukraine. It was previously reported that the President of the European Council, António Costa, invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the summit.
The summit is being held amid a suspension of US aid to Ukraine and after a dispute between Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The prime ministers of Hungary and Slovakia have issued ultimatums ahead of the EU summit. Viktor Orbán demands that the summit decision include “entering direct negotiations with Russia on a ceasefire and lasting peace in Ukraine.”
Robert Fico has threatened to block the summit conclusions if a decision to restore the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine is not made.
