Brussels, Belgium: Hungary has blocked a $55 billion EU aid for Ukraine, just hours after the bloc decided to open accession negotiations with the war-torn country.
“Summary of the nightshift: veto for the extra money to Ukraine,” Hungarian Prime Minister, Mr. Viktor Orban, wrote on social media platform X.
Ukraine is heavily reliant on financial support from the EU and the US as it continues to fight occupying Russian forces.
Mr. Orban announced the funding block shortly after the EU leaders decided to open membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova and to grant candidate status to Georgia.
Although Hungary, which has strong ties to Russia, has long opposed Ukraine’s membership, it did not veto that move. The EU’s other 26 leaders agreed to come back to the debate early next year.
“With 26 countries we agree. There is no agreement from Hungary at the moment, but I am very confident for next year,” Dutch Prime Minister, Mr. Mark Rutte commented.
Mr. Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, praised the EU decision on membership talks as a “victory”.
Ukraine is also desperately seeking the approval of a $61 billion US defense aid package, but that decision is also being delayed because of Republican lawmakers.
Moldovan President, Ms. Maia Sandu, pointed out that “It was an honour to share the path to EU accession with Ukraine. We wouldn’t be here today without Ukraine’s brave resistance against Russia’s brutal invasion.”
A few months ago, Ms. Moldova alleged that Russia was attempting to take power in Chisinau.
TOP PICK | Zelensky pleads for US military aid to Ukraine
