**Hungary and Slovakia Threaten EU Unity on Russia-Ukraine**
Leaders of Hungary and Slovakia have warned that they may block a joint statement from the European Union if it does not include calls for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. The warning was made ahead of a key summit next week.
The two countries’ leaders, Viktor Orban and Robert Fico, wrote to EU President Antonio Costa expressing concerns about Ukraine’s ability to negotiate with Russia. They want the EU to resume direct communication with Moscow like Washington has done.
Orban said that he believes the EU should enter into direct discussions with Russia on a ceasefire and sustainable peace in Ukraine. He also hinted at blocking any decision if it is not adopted unanimously.
Fico said that Slovakia will not provide financial or military support to Ukraine. He also demanded that the summit’s statement include a call for an immediate ceasefire and a mention of resuming Russian gas transit to Slovakia.
The two leaders have been critical of Ukraine in the past and have promoted pro-Russian narratives on the conflict.
**Other Developments**
* A new team from the International Atomic Energy Agency arrived at the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine.
* Lithuania has invested 20 million euros in purchasing weapons for Kyiv from Ukrainian producers.
* The U.S. National Security Advisor said that President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the White House was a mistake and that he should have avoided it.
**Global Reaction**
* Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau departed for London to take part in a European defense summit.
* Rome signed an agreement with Kyiv to provide 13 million euros towards Ukraine’s Energy Support Fund.
* A Russian ballistic missile struck the Odesa port, damaging port infrastructure and a foreign civilian ship.
