The European Council held an exchange of views today, via video conference, with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meeting’s final document, however, bears only 26 signatures. This shows that the Hungary of Viktor Orban is still reluctant to join in the support efforts for the country attacked by Russia. “The European Council reaffirms its continued and unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders”, the document reads. The European Union maintains its “peace through strength” approach, which requires Ukraine “to be in the strongest possible position, with its own robust military and defence capabilities as an essential component”. The EU “remains committed, in coordination with like-minded partners and allies, to providing further comprehensive support to Ukraine and its people, as it exercises its inherent right to self-defence against Russia’s war of aggression”. On the other hand, the European Council “reiterates its support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law and welcomes all efforts towards achieving such a peace”. The 27 leaders welcome the Ukraine-US commitment to a possible ceasefire, and call on “Russia to show real political will to end the war”.