Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on July 5 that the country aims to double its air defense capabilities with the addition of advanced Patriot systems this summer.
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| The German Chancellor said that Prime Minister Viktor Orban's visit was not part of Hungary's EU presidency but rather his activities as Hungarian prime minister. (Source: Reuters) |
“As we promised, we will double our air defense capabilities in the summer,” Zelensky said at a meeting with regional authorities.
President Zelensky expressed confidence that the upcoming NATO Summit will bring “impactful results” on this issue.
* On the same day, July 5, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto expressed hope that the Hungarian delegation's visit to Moscow could contribute to peace in Ukraine.
“The past two and a half years have proven that the ongoing military conflict in our neighbourhood has no solution on the battlefield. A ceasefire and peace talks are needed as soon as possible to end human suffering. We hope that today’s meeting in Moscow can bring peace closer,” Szijjarto said in a post on social media.
Hungary has repeatedly spoken out about the need to find a peaceful solution to the Ukraine conflict and warned Europe against intervening.
* Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on the same day that the lack of political will among some EU member states to support Ukraine in the long term will not prevent the bloc's solidarity and support policy for Kiev.
Commenting on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's visit to Russia, Mr. Scholz stated: "(President) Putin cannot hope for solidarity or support (for Ukraine) that is weakening because of the financial problems of each country or the fact that political will may not be equally present everywhere."
The German chancellor said the Hungarian leader had not informed him about the visit, adding that the EU is represented by European Council President Charles Michel when it comes to foreign policy.
“Therefore, the main point of this visit is not Hungary's EU presidency but (Mr. Orban's) activities as Hungarian prime minister,” Chancellor Scholz said.
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