Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán blocked the European Union's planned financial aid package for Ukraine, meaning debate would begin early next year as the EU struggles to allay concerns that Western support is faltering.
Earlier Thursday, Kiev scored a major political victory when the EU unexpectedly agreed to open accession talks, but negotiations on a €50 billion package remained stalled even though 26 of the 27 members supported it.
The delay in aid is likely to heighten anxiety in Kiev at a crucial time for the war-torn country. Ukraine's counteroffensive, backed by billions in Western weapons and training, has made limited progress. And in the US, the House of Representatives went on holiday recess this week after failing to approve President Joe Biden's request for $61 billion in aid to Ukraine.
EU leaders will meet again on Friday for a second day of their summit, with several topics on the agenda, including the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
European Council President Charles Michel said Ukraine aid talks will last until next year as member states continue to look for a way to get Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on board. One option could be a backup plan whereby member states would channel money to Ukraine outside the EU budget process.
Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said 26 EU members had agreed on the broad budget package, including aid to Ukraine, and that EU leaders may hold an additional summit, perhaps in late January.
“I am quite sure that we can achieve a breakthrough early next year,” Rutte told reporters early Friday. “They still have time. Ukraine will not run out of money in the coming weeks.”
Orban said in a message on
The amount of newly pledged Western aid to Ukraine has fallen to the lowest level since the Russian invasion began almost two years ago. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has ramped up military production at home and intensified bombings deep inside the country.
Kiev can take some comfort from the unexpected progress in accession negotiations. Before the meeting of EU leaders in Brussels, Orban had opposed opening the accession process, saying Ukraine was not ready.
SHELL SHOCKED
- The delay in aid is likely to increase unrest in Kiev
- Ukraine aid talks will last until next year as member states look for a way to get Hungary's prime minister on board
- One way to support the plan could be for member states to channel money to Ukraine outside the EU budget process
- Newly pledged Western aid to Ukraine has fallen to the lowest level since the beginning of the Russian invasion
- Kiev can take some comfort from the unexpected progress in accession negotiations. Before the meeting of EU leaders in Brussels
First print: December 16, 2023 | 12:16 pm IST