Hungary has vetoed a €50 billion ($54 billion) European financial aid package to Ukraine, dealing a blow to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s efforts to secure funding for the Eastern European country still dealing with Russian aggression.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán blocked the aid, citing a multiyear plan to ensure Hungary receives its entitled funds from the EU budget.
The European Union has failed to approve a $55 billion aid package for Ukraine, rejected due to a veto vote by Hungary. pic.twitter.com/JnjxQDeORb
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) December 15, 2023
Orbán emphasized Hungary’s right to receive the full amount and not a fraction. The move leaves Zelenskyy in a precarious position, dependent on EU and U.S. funding to counter Russian forces.
Orbán’s decision comes shortly after Zelenskyy’s unsuccessful attempt to secure an additional $61 billion from U.S. lawmakers. Russia’s invasion, intended for a brief duration, has extended into its third year due to Ukraine’s resilient resistance. Despite Orbán’s veto on financial aid, Hungary did not obstruct the EU from initiating accession talks with Ukraine, a significant step toward potential EU membership.
While Zelenskyy celebrated the approval of membership talks, Orbán cautioned that Hungary could still impede the process at a later stage.
The Hungarian leader described the decision as “bad” and asserted Hungary’s ability to halt the process if needed. The EU’s decisions on enlargement and its long-term budget, including the aid for Kyiv, require unanimous approval from all 27 member countries. Orbán’s move reflects his history of leveraging clashes with EU leaders for domestic political benefit.
The vetoed aid package will be revisited in the European Council next year after thorough preparation, according to Orbán’s post on X after the EU leaders summit in Brussels.
