Hungary-Ukraine Rift Deepens Amid EU War Support Tensions

Tensions between Hungary and Ukraine have escalated amid accusations from Ukrainian President Zelensky that Hungary violated Ukrainian airspace with drones, a claim Hungary's Foreign Minister Szijjarto dismissed as paranoia. This diplomatic rift highlights broader EU divisions over support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, especially as Hungary resists sanctions and arms provisions against Moscow. Concurrently, U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled a strategic shift by stepping back from direct peace negotiations, emphasizing that Europe and NATO must lead efforts to support Ukraine's fight to reclaim its territory, with the U.S. limiting its role to supplying weapons to NATO. European leaders, including EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and High Representative Kaja Kallas, have stressed the importance of a united front against Russian aggression and the critical role of the U.S. in NATO, while pressing for greater reductions in Russian energy dependence, particularly from Hungary and Slovakia. Trump's withdrawal places increased pressure on Europe to deliver security and stability amidst ongoing Russian provocations, including drone incursions into NATO airspace. This evolving dynamic underscores the complexities of the Ukraine conflict and the shifting geopolitical responsibilities between the U.S. and its European allies.