Hungary prevented European Union member states from signing a joint statement until two years after Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg, News.ro reported.

One of the people said the non-NATO EU member also had reservations about some sections of the declaration, but did not say whether the country would go so far as to block it.

On the other hand, Budapest’s veto, the reasons for which were not immediately clear, although Hungary’s anti-war stance and its proximity to Moscow are known, prompted the presidents of the European Commission, the European Council and the European Parliament to issue a joint statement on Friday, in which they assured Kyiv of the continuation financial and military support.

“We will continue to respond to Ukraine’s urgent military and defense needs, in particular, by supplying Ukraine with urgently needed ammunition and missiles. We have taken unprecedented action at the EU level to accelerate the production of the European defense industry and will continue to build capacity, which will allow us to strengthen our military support and cooperation with Ukraine, while strengthening our defense capability and European sovereignty. We are also working on future security commitments that will help Ukraine defend itself, resist destabilization attempts and deter future acts of aggression,” European leaders promise on the two-year anniversary of Russia’s large-scale war of aggression in Ukraine.

According to Bloomberg, a spokesman for the European Council declined to comment.

In addition, the EU adopted new sanctions targeting hundreds of individuals and legal entities, marking the bloc’s 13th package of measures following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

What is said in the joint declaration of the European institutions

“Today marks a tragic anniversary: ​​Russia’s large-scale war of aggression against Ukraine in clear violation of international law and the UN Charter. Two years of violence, brutality, terror and destruction. We will never forget the first shock of the attack, the horror of the events in Borodyanka, Bucha, Mariupol,” says the joint statement signed by Ursula von der Leyen, Charles Michel and Roberta Metsola, presidents of the three European political institutions, respectively. .

“The European Union will always support the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. The illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol 10 years ago marks the beginning of Russia’s long-term aggression against Ukraine,” the European Union said in a joint statement.

According to the heads of the three European institutions, “Russia and its leaders bear full responsibility for this war and its global consequences, as well as for the serious crimes committed. We are still determined to bring them to justice, including for the crime of aggression,” promise Ursula von der Leyen, Charles Michel and Roberta Metzola.

They also assure Kyiv that “more than ever” the Europeans remain “united and faithful” to their promise to support Ukraine as long as necessary, “for the sake of the Ukrainian people, peace and security in Europe and the rules-based international order.” prevail”.

“The European Union will continue to provide firm and unwavering political, military, financial, economic, diplomatic and humanitarian support to help Ukraine defend itself, protect its people, cities and critical infrastructure, restore its territorial integrity, return thousands of deported children and end the war.” – this is the commitment of the leaders of the three institutions.

They declare that “the future of Ukraine is in the European Union”, and the European Union will continue to provide Ukraine with regular and predictable financial support. “The package of financial assistance worth 50 billion euros for the period 2024-2027 will help Ukraine meet its urgent needs, restore its economy and society, modernize its institutions, and strengthen its democracy and the rule of law,” the message reads. joint statement

European leaders also promise new sanctions against Russia. “Russia and its leaders will pay an increasing price for their actions. Together with our partners, we have imposed unprecedented sanctions against Russia and those engaged in war, and we remain ready to increase pressure on Russia to limit its ability to wage war,” the document said.

The European Union also conveys to Kyiv that it supports its proposals “for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace, based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, as well as all efforts to organize a global summit for peace with the maximum international support as possible.” big” .