Costa writes to Orbán admitting rift, touting security guarantees over Ukraine

European Council President António Costa acknowledged divergences over the EU's "peace through strength" approach to Ukraine but said that the bloc should prepare to take part in discussions and will need to contribute to strong security guarantees, in a 3 March letter to Viktor Orbán seen by Euronews.

“On Ukraine, we all want to put an end to Russia’s war of aggression with a ‘ceasefire and a sustainable peace’. However, I note that there is a divergence on the path to achieve peace, and, in particular, the “peace through strength” approach. Nevertheless, we agree on the central objective to reach a lasting peace,” Costa wrote in the letter.

The message replied to a missive from the Hungarian head of government sent to Costa on 1 March, which touted following the US approach to peace negotiations - to “enter into direct discussions with Russia on a ceasefire and a sustainable peace in Ukraine”.

“Looking ahead, we need to be ready for the outcome of President Trump’s efforts to push Russia to peace negotiations, namely by working together with our transatlantic allies,” Costa said in the letter. 

“The EU should also prepare to participate in discussions to achieve a just and lasting peace. Furthermore, for a peace to be lasting, we will need to contribute to strong security guarantees for Ukraine. I expect that we can agree to act accordingly,” he added.

The letters were exchanged in the run up to discussions among EU leaders at an extraordinary summit on Thursday, 6 March, convened to discuss the EU’s contribution to defend Ukraine, and following the spat between Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump in the White House last Friday.

The US opening negotiating with Russia on a settlement were conducted in Saudi Arabia without the involvement of Ukraine or Europe.