Hungary's premier throws veto at much-needed EU aid for Ukraine

Hungary has unexpectedly vetoed a €50 billion EU aid package earmarked for Ukraine, dealing a significant blow to Kyiv's ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. The move follows Hungary's earlier threat to veto accession negotiations with Ukraine.

"Summary of the night shift: veto for the extra money to Ukraine," remarked Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán after last week's talks in Brussels. This unforeseen decision jeopardizes a crucial €50 billion assistance package that President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urgently needs to sustain the fight against Russian forces.
In a surprising turn, Orbán's announcement came shortly after EU leaders greenlit membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova, and granted candidate status to Georgia. Despite maintaining close ties with Russia, Hungary did not veto the membership talks but staunchly opposed additional financial aid for Ukraine.
Ukraine and neighboring Moldova applied to join the EU after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. They were both given candidate status last June, while Georgia was passed over at the time.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu said it was an honor 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," she wrote.
Orbán, who previously criticized Ukraine's readiness for EU membership, left the negotiating room during the summit, in what other politicians described as a pre-agreed and constructive move, when the 26 EU leaders approved the launch of membership talks.
In an interview with the Hungarian state radio station later that day, Orbán asserted that Ukraine's journey to EU membership would be a lengthy process, indicating that Hungary's parliament could still impede the progress if desired.
Talks on the financial aid package concluded after Orbán's veto, with the Hungarian leader emphasizing his nation's demand for the full release of €20 billion EU funds, frozen by Brussels.
“This is a great opportunity for Hungary to make it clear that it should get what it deserves,” Orbán told Hungarian public radio. “Not half or a quarter, but the whole thing. We demand fair treatment, and now we have a good chance to achieve this.”

Much needed funds
While EU leaders assured that negotiations on the aid package would resume in early 2024, Orbán's unexpected move has raised concerns about a potential delay impacting Ukraine's budget. European Council President Charles Michel and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo expressed optimism about fulfilling the EU's promise to support Ukraine, emphasizing the need to iron out remaining details.
A prolonged delay in financial aid could pose significant challenges for Ukraine's budget, as the funds are used to cover essential social responsibilities and public sector wages.

Ukraine is also seeking the approval of a $61 billion US defense aid package - but that decision is also being delayed because of major disagreements between Democrat and Republican lawmakers.
Ukraine's counter-offensive against Russia's occupying forces ground to a halt at the start of winter, and there are fears that the Russians could simply outgun Ukraine. As Ukraine grapples against Russian forces, the situation underscores the urgency of resolving aid-related disputes to avoid further setbacks in Kyiv's efforts.