Hungary has vetoed the bloc’s joint statement that would have seen Kiev receive €30 billion in aid by the end of the year
The European Union has failed to agree on a new €30 billion ($32 billion) military aid package for Ukraine after Hungary vetoed the measure at an emergency European Council meeting in Brussels on Thursday. Despite broad support from the other 26 EU members, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban blocked the leaders’ statement, delaying further assistance to Kiev.
The proposed five-point agreement included security guarantees for Ukraine, a commitment that no negotiations with Russia would take place without Kiev, and a pledge to uphold Ukraine’s territorial integrity. However, Orban, a vocal critic of military aid to Ukraine and an advocate for peace talks, rejected the proposal, arguing that it contradicted Hungary’s stance.
”It talks about Ukraine needing to be strengthened so that it can fight even further. And Hungary, of course, did not support it because this was completely contrary to our position in favor of peace,” Orban told reporters after the meeting.
According to the conclusive statement published on the European Council website, the final decision on Ukraine’s support has been postponed until the next EU leaders’ summit, scheduled for March 20.
Meanwhile, European Council President Antonio Costa signaled that the EU is looking for ways to continue military aid to Ukraine despite Hungary’s objections.
”Hungary has a different approach on Ukraine; it means Hungary is isolated within the EU27 – and 26 are more than one,” Costa said. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also hinted at an alternative plan, saying the bloc is working on a “coalition of the willing” that would allow member states to continue providing military assistance to Ukraine without requiring unanimous approval.
The emergency summit was convened amid growing concerns among EU leaders over the impact of US President Donald Trump’s recent policy shift on Ukraine. Multiple media reports suggest that Trump has frozen new military aid to Kiev. He has also urged the EU to take on greater responsibility for Ukraine’s war effort and its own defense.
READ MORE:
EU state says ‘huge amount’ of Ukraine aid ‘lost’
While the decision on Ukraine aid was delayed, EU leaders, including Orban, approved a separate initiative to boost European defense spending by up to €800 billion. The plan, known as ReArm Europe, was unveiled earlier this week by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who said she will present legal proposals within the next two weeks.
Russia has repeatedly warned against Western military support for Ukraine, arguing that it only prolongs the conflict and increases the risk of escalation.
