**EU Member States Pledge Support for Ukraine, Despite Hungary’s Opposition**
On March 6, twenty-six EU member states denounced Russian aggression and pledged continued support for Ukraine. However, Hungary dissented from the joint resolution.
Despite Hungary’s opposition, the EU members reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. They also committed to several principles in pursuing a just peace in Ukraine, including Kyiv and Europe’s participation in any negotiations, no ceasefire without a comprehensive peace agreement, security guarantees for Ukraine, and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
**Hungary Blocks Key Decision**
The lack of consensus on the declaration highlights the persistent differences between Moscow-friendly Budapest and the rest of the bloc. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban can still block major decisions that require an anonymous vote, such as the six-month extension of sanctions against Russia.
**EU to Mobilize €800 Billion for Defense Spending**
In response to concerns about the US’s potential scaling back its presence on the continent, the EU agreed to mobilize up to €800 billion ($860 billion) for defense spending. This move comes amid fears that the US might reduce its military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
**Other Developments**
* The Trump administration’s decision to freeze military aid for Ukraine and intelligence sharing highlighted Europe’s growing role in sustaining Ukrainian resistance against Russian aggression.
* The proposal to commit a new €20 billion ($22 billion) package was dropped from the text of the declaration, but the EU will continue providing Ukraine with already pledged support in 2025.
* Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni suggested that European peacekeepers might not be the best solution for Ukraine, implying that extending NATO’s coverage to Ukraine could be a more durable option.
* Norway’s parliamentary leaders agreed to increase aid for Ukraine by $4.6 billion.
**Russia and Ukraine Clashes Continue**
Russian forces launched missiles at various regions of Ukraine overnight on March 7, targeting energy and gas infrastructure across the country. Ukrainian forces reportedly attacked the command post of the 17th Tank Regiment of the 70th Motorized Rifle Division of the Russian Armed Forces stationed in the Russian-occupied part of Kherson Oblast.
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