Foreign Ministers of 25 EU Countries Criticised Orban’s Self-Styled "Peace Tour" to Russia, China, Turkey, and the USA

This was announced by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, at a press conference following the meeting.  

‘We have analysed the statements and actions of the Hungarian Prime Minister and the Hungarian Foreign Minister, and with only one exception, I can say that all member states have been very critical of this behaviour,’ Borrell said.

He stressed that it is Putin who is a party to the war. 

‘The only one who is ‘in favour of war’ is Putin, who is calling for the partition and extradition of Ukraine as a ‘precondition’ for any negotiations and ceasefire. He sends reminders every day in the form of thousands of missiles, drones and planned bombs, as well as new military offensives,’ added the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

‘No one wants peace more than Ukrainians themselves. But a just and lasting peace requires preserving Ukraine's freedom and independence and ensuring accountability for the numerous war crimes that have taken place since the beginning of the war. Any so-called ‘peacekeeping mission’ that ignores these basic principles will ultimately only benefit Putin and not bring peace,’ Borrell concluded.

He added that the EU will receive the first €1.4 billion transfer to Ukraine next week, which is expected in early August. 

‘We are going to finance the purchase of priority military equipment - again, air defence systems, ammunition for artillery - as well as, and this is new, purchases for the Ukrainian defence industry. So, we will provide not only military support to Ukraine,’ said Josep Borrell.