While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was welcomed with warm handshakes and photo opportunities, concrete military commitments remained absent. In a summit dominated by discussions on strengthening Europe’s defense industry, Ukraine’s most pressing need—urgent military aid—was addressed only briefly, with talks on the matter lasting just 15 minutes.

Hungary Blocks EU Unity on Ukraine

A joint statement on Ukraine failed to gain unanimous support, as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, known for his pro-Russia stance, opposed it. The remaining 26 EU member states issued a declaration expressing support for Ukraine’s EU accession and pledging future military assistance—though without specific figures or timelines.

Germany’s outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz downplayed the Hungarian veto, stating, “He’s done it before. It doesn’t mean the Union is falling apart.”

Zelensky’s Call for Immediate Action

Dressed in his signature wartime attire, Zelensky arrived at the summit with clear demands:

• Acceleration of a European financial mechanism for military aid to Ukraine.
• A new package of sanctions against Russia.
• Confirmation of Ukraine’s EU accession roadmap by 2030.

Despite public gestures of support, EU leaders prioritized discussions on a €800 billion defense package, largely debating how much funding should go to European defense firms.

The U.S. Void and Europe’s Challenge

With U.S. military aid to Ukraine in limbo under the Trump administration, concerns are mounting over whether the EU can fill the gap. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal bluntly asked fellow leaders, “Can we do this alone?” The room reportedly fell silent.

While the EU has committed more funds to Ukraine than the U.S. since the start of the invasion, the loss of American military intelligence and precision weapons support remains a significant concern.

In contrast to the EU’s indecision, Norway stepped up, announcing a doubling of its military aid to Ukraine to €8 billion for 2025.

As European leaders grapple with their long-term defense strategy, Ukraine’s immediate needs remain in question—raising doubts about the EU’s ability to act decisively in the face of an evolving geopolitical crisis.