On the way to the summit on rebuilding and Ukraine, the Prime Minister is clear in his criticism of Hungary.
The country's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has signaled that Hungary wants to see completely different terms regarding the war in Ukraine than most other EU countries. This could result in the other EU countries making their own statement and leaving Orbán standing alone.
Kristersson does not think it will "look bad".
This is not a beauty contest. Don't let the small country stand in the way of the many big ones, says the Prime Minister.
Zelenskyj in place
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyj is again invited as an extra guest to the summit and is warmly welcomed by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Zelenskyj thanks in return – not least for the support after his dramatic meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House last week.
Throughout this entire time and last week, you have stood with us. We are very grateful that we do not stand alone. This is not just words, we feel it. You have given strong signals to the Ukrainian people, Ukrainian soldiers, civilians, all our families, says Zelenskyj.
Rebuilding and support
Ursula von der Leyen hopes to get broad support from EU countries for a comprehensive rebuilding plan, which Hungary is likely to support as well. Ukraine also likes the plan, which aims to pour a staggering nine billion Swedish kronor into defense.
Ulf Kristersson simultaneously gives a gentle jab at other EU countries that have not provided relatively as much support to Ukraine.
There are quite a few countries, even large countries in Europe, that talk a lot about supporting Ukraine but do relatively little compared to their economy. More can do more, he says.
French nuclear weapons?
In parallel, there are many other defense issues to ponder since the US under Trump has clearly questioned future support for both Ukraine and its traditional allies within NATO.
This has led France's President Emmanuel Macron to open up to letting other European countries under his "nuclear umbrella". The issue will not be formally discussed at the EU summit, although Kristersson welcomes Macron's "openness".
Right now, we should be happy and grateful that there are two neighboring countries to us (France and the UK) that have nuclear weapons. Otherwise, only Russia would have nuclear weapons, says Kristersson in Brussels.
The EU countries' heads of state and government are gathered for an extraordinary summit in Brussels on Thursday.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyj is participating as an extra lunch guest.
The EU countries are expected to back the EU Commission's plan "Rebuild EU", which includes a new support fund of 150 billion euros and opportunities for EU countries to get exemptions from normal debt and deficit rules when it comes to defense investments.
The continued support for Ukraine is also being discussed.
Afterwards, a final press conference with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President António Costa awaits.
