"I have vetoed the joint declaration regarding Ukraine because we cannot support any joint position before Hungarians express their opinion on Ukraine's European Union membership," Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on March 20 in a video recorded during a break in the EU summit in Brussels.

According to two diplomats cited by financial website Politico.hu, EU leaders agreed on conclusions regarding Ukraine without modifying the text, despite Hungary's objection. As a result, the document was issued as a separate declaration rather than a consensus-based statement – similar to the approach taken two weeks ago.

The discussion on Ukraine lasted roughly 30 minutes, without substantive debate. There were no efforts to persuade Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to change his stance, Portfolio adds, in line with expectations. Diplomats before the summit signalled that they don't want to be drawn into long debates.

In a Facebook post, Orban asserted that "we will not go along with the creation of a common European position that Hungary is a part of if it is pro-war." He went on to criticise Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's approach in the discussions, suggesting that Ukraine was acting as though it were already an EU member.

He claimed that Hungarian families had lost HUF2.5mn (€6,300) per household over the past three years due to the war, linking the conflict to rising economic pressures. He suggested that supporting Ukraine's EU membership would only exacerbate these financial strains, as integration would likely require substantial economic contributions from existing member states.

Arguing that the best way to prevent further economic fallout was to push for peace rather than continued involvement in the conflict, Orban urged Europe to align with US-led peace efforts instead of what he described as "war adventures." He framed Hungary's position as a necessary step to shield its citizens from the financial consequences of prolonged conflict and costly integration commitments.

Viktor Orban's veto was ignored as EU leaders moved forward with adopting a declaration in support of Kyiv, backed by the other 26 member states without modifying the text, according to two diplomats cited by Portfolio.hu.

The document was issued as a separate declaration rather than a consensus-based statement just as it was at the last summit. Two weeks ago, Hungary already refused to put its name to a joint EU statement that referred to Ukraine achieving "peace through strength" by counting on continued European military and financial support.

After the March 6 emergency summit, European Council President Antonio Costa described Hungary as "isolated". "We respect Hungary's position," he said. "But it's one out of 27, and 26 are more than one."

While Hungary can symbolically obstruct joint statements and slow proceedings, it lacks the power to veto a major EU defence loan package or prevent member states from increasing their military spending – both measures that will ultimately benefit Ukraine, analysts said.

Hungary's veteran leader launched a "consultative referendum" on Ukraine's EU membership issue to poll people's views, mostly driven by political considerations. The government is likely to shape the debate around the economic impact that have resonated with Fidesz' core electorate in the past.

Orban aims to shift the political conversation away from Hungary's economic struggles, growing tensions with the EU over rule-of-law concerns, and other domestic issues one year before the elections. By making Ukraine's membership a central theme, he can consolidate support among nationalist and Eurosceptic voters, reinforcing his position ahead of the elections.

Hungary has refrained from supporting military aid to Ukraine on a similar ground.  Earlier this week, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto confirmed that Budapest had blocked an EU proposal to provide €20bn in military aid to Kyiv. "We do not want to take part in this. We will not allow Hungarian taxpayers' money to be spent on further arms deliveries and the continuation of the war," he added.

In the joint declaration approved by the EU26 on Thursday, March 20, the European Council reiterates its support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, and is ready to step up the pressure on Russia, according to some of the points in the statement. The European Union will step up its support for Ukraine's reform efforts on the road to EU membership.

Addressing European leaders via video link during the Brussels summit, Zelenskiy denounced the "Europe-averse" approach of those blocking Ukraine's accession process, arguing that Kyiv had met all necessary requirements to open negotiations. Without naming the Hungarian leader or Hungary directly, the Ukrainian president insisted that Europe must find a way to prevent such obstruction in the future.

Earlier this week, Hungarian Minister for EU Affairs Janos Boka has suggested that Ukraine could serve as a buffer zone between Russia and the EU provided that the interests of all parties, including Moscow, are clearly defined and respected.

Speaking to the Financial Times, he argued that without such an agreement, Ukraine risks becoming a permanent conflict zone. Any actions taken by the EU and the US in Ukraine without the approval of Russian President Vladimir Putin could escalate tensions. He also asserted that while a buffer zone is necessary, Ukraine should remain outside the EU's defence structures.

With discussions on Ukraine's future evolving rapidly, the rest of the EU is pressing ahead with efforts to deepen support for Kyiv. On Tuesday, March 18, six northern member states called on the European Commission to accelerate Ukraine's path to EU membership. Although Hungary briefly lifted its veto last year, allowing accession talks to move forward, negotiations have yet to formally begin.