V4 Leaders Convene in Prague: Unity in Ukraine Support, Divergent Paths on Strategy
The Visegrad Group, known as the V4, gathered in Prague with the heads of government from Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. The discussions focused on energy security, the European Union’s strategic agenda, and ways to address illegal migration, while recognizing that each country brings its own priorities to the table.
During a joint press conference, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala acknowledged that differences persist among the four members. Yet he stressed that consensus exists on certain core issues. All four leaders agree that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine breaches international law and that Ukraine requires substantial support from the international community.
Fiala noted that the group will participate in aid efforts collectively, though he also highlighted a public understanding that each nation may choose its own approach to delivering that aid. Poland and the Czech Republic have already provided military assistance, while Slovakia and Hungary have opted not to participate militarily, but remain open to humanitarian, financial, and other forms of support, according to the Czech premier.
He added that the V4 nations share the conviction that the European Union’s common agricultural policy needs reform and that joint actions in energy and migration management are essential. Confidence in a collaborative path does not erase differences about the causes of the Ukraine crisis or the best routes to resolution.
Tusk: Incremental, Joint Support for Ukraine Is Possible
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed cautious optimism about building a piecemeal, cooperative approach to assisting Ukraine. He suggested that after the Prague talks, a clearer, more unified stance could emerge, even if different member states pursue varied strategies.
At the press conference, Tusk recalled his role at the group’s inception, emphasizing the historic foundations of V4. He highlighted enduring ties of solidarity, shared European values, and a commitment to freedom, human rights, the rule of law, and independence as the bedrock of the alliance. He indicated concern for the group’s present and future and underscored the importance of maintaining a united front without compromising the individual perspectives of member countries.
While praising unity, Tusk warned that Brussels must ensure that assisting Ukraine does not jeopardize the economies or agricultural sectors of the V4 states. He stressed that preserving the integrity of national markets and the European Green Deal remains a priority for all four leaders, including continuation of the embargo on Ukrainian grain if necessary to protect domestic producers.
He concluded by affirming that guarding Poland’s border with Ukraine is tantamount to safeguarding the broader European frontier, signaling a careful balance between wartime solidarity and economic resilience.
Orban: The Summit Demonstrated the V4 Is Alive and Willing to Compromise
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban described the Prague summit as among the most challenging gatherings of the V4, yet one that proved the bloc is vibrant and capable of absorbing disagreements. He reiterated Hungary’s readiness to maintain cooperation with the other V4 countries and to support Ukraine, while acknowledging different approaches to the conflict.
Orban stressed a shared commitment to helping Ukraine, while noting Hungary’s choice not to supply weapons or troops directly. He outlined a humanitarian role, including medical personnel and aid for refugees and Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts, as well as contributions to energy security and agricultural policy. He referenced a broader, common stance against illegal immigration and emphasized the potential for future collaboration in EU energy policy, including nuclear energy as a strategic element.
On migration and related EU policies, Orban observed alignment with the other V4 leaders on the need for sensible, cooperative approaches that do not jeopardize member states’ economies.
Fico: Military Support for Ukraine Should Not Be the Path
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated a clear position that military assistance to Ukraine should not be the main vehicle of support. He advocated for renewed peace talks and diplomacy as the central mechanism to resolve the conflict, while acknowledging that the war will have a finite timeline and that the V4 bloc will retain influence long after the current hostilities subside.
Fico highlighted challenges facing regional cooperation, including European Union enlargement and its impact on agricultural policy and the budget. He urged ongoing discussions about EU reforms, expressing concern about attempts to diminish the influence of smaller member states in decision-making and supporting the retention of the veto right for those states. He also noted converging views on migration and trade policies related to Ukrainian agricultural products, signaling a shared interest in stable, reform-minded EU governance.
The Slovak leader added that conversations about Ukraine should consider broader EU reforms and the bloc’s future direction, with a focus on preserving balanced representation at the European table.
Prime Minister Tusk later reinforced the stance that while Ukraine’s support must be robust, it should not come at the expense of Europe’s economic health. He reiterated the need to protect farmers and national markets, and to maintain the embargo on Ukrainian grain where necessary. The V4 leaders emphasized that the European Union’s frontier realities extend to regional borders and that safeguarding domestic producers remains a collective priority for the group.
In Prague, the Visegrad Group underscored its commitment to a coherent, shared agenda on energy, migration, and agricultural policy, while allowing room for nuanced national approaches on Ukraine. The discussions reflected a balance between solidarity with Ukraine and the practical realities faced by each member state in managing their own economies and political landscapes.
Note: For attribution and context on framing, this summary references reporting from WPolityce and related press materials from the Prague summit. Citation: WPolityce