Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has halted 50 billion euros ($54 billion) in European Union aid earmarked for Ukraine, following the group’s decision to formally initiate membership talks with Kyiv.
During the Brussels meeting, leaders agreed to revisit the aid issue next month after Orban refused to support the additional funding for Ukraine’s government, citing the ongoing battle to remove Russian forces from Ukrainian territory.
Orban, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin within the EU, took to social media to declare, “Summary of the nightshift: veto for the extra money to Ukraine.”
The rest of the EU leaders consented to readdress the matter in January, acknowledging that Ukraine still has financial support for the coming weeks. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte expressed confidence in securing a deal early next year, hinting at discussions in late January.
Rutte emphasized the unity among 26 countries, excluding Hungary, indicating optimism about reaching an agreement during the upcoming summit.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo underscored the importance of financial aid for Ukraine, stressing its significance in sustaining the ongoing conflict and facilitating the country’s reconstruction.
Orban had previously pledged to block both the membership talks and funding, dealing a setback to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy’s attempts to secure an additional $61 billion for Ukraine from Republican lawmakers in the United States had also failed earlier in the week.
Amid concerns, amplified and echoed by Moscow, about wavering support for Kyiv among allies, most EU leaders at this week’s summit sought to convey a clear signal of solidarity with Ukraine.
