Orban vetoes aid to Ukraine

She led it European Union They did not do so on Thursday night (12/14) until Friday (12/15). To persuade Hungary to lift its veto In a new package of financial aid to Ukraine worth 50 billion euros, the day after yesterday Approval to open accession negotiations with the belligerent state.

“Night shift recap: Ukraine veto additional funds, MYFF review veto”Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán summed up via X (former Twitter).

The remaining 26 member states were unable to overcome the opposition of the Hungarian nationalist leader, as the resolution required unanimity.

“We will return to the topic in early January.”European Council President Charles Michel made the announcement overnight.

«The 26 countries gave us the green light. Viktor Orban, President of Hungary, has not been able to agree at the moment. “But I’m pretty sure we can close the deal at the beginning of next year, and we expect it to be done at the end of January.”Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte overestimated his estimate.

The European Union intends to provide aid to Ukraine worth 50 billion euros – 33 billion loans and 17 billion grants – over four years, starting in 2024.

Granting this aid is considered extremely important for Kiev, as the $60 billion US aid that US President Joe Biden sought to obtain Congressional approval for is still subject to negotiation due to Republican reservations.

Absent – sent for coffee

However, a few hours ago, European leaders were able to reach an agreement on starting accession negotiations with Ukraine.

In this case Mr. Orban has withdrawn from this processSo that he does not take a decision that he continues to describe as disastrous for the future of the European Union.

Hungarian Prime Minister “He was not in the room when the text was approved, and this was agreed upon with him.”A European diplomatic source, who requested anonymity, explained. “This is a practical solution (…) The political message has been received.”He completed it.

It is said that Solz was the one who, in front of European leaders, He told Orbán that if he was not willing to agree, he could leave the room so the expansion decision could be made unanimously.. According to an official quoted by Politico, this proposal was not spontaneous but was agreed upon in previous talks, while another official said that Orban was… “Leaving the room momentarily in a pre-arranged and pre-arranged manner.”

He also reported that POLITICOGerman Chancellor Suggest he go out and have coffee. “Maybe get a coffee outside the hall” She reportedly told him.

Through a video uploaded to Facebook, Viktor Orbán confirmed this His government did not want to “share the responsibility” for the “irrational” choice of the remaining 26 member states, and therefore decided to “abstain.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky opinion “A victory for Ukraine, and for all of Europe, a victory that motivates us, inspires us and makes us stronger.”

The White House and State Department welcomed the “historic” decision on Europe and the “Transatlantic Partnership.”

Although the operation was announced a long time ago, The symbolism is strong for the countryAt war since February 24, 2022, when the Russian army invaded Ukrainian territory.

For Charles Michel, The decision to start accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova is “A powerful message of hope for the citizens of these countries and for our continent.”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised “Strong message of support” In Ukraine which provides a “perspective” of that country. French President Emmanuel Macron spoke of a “reasonable, fair and necessary” response to the wishes of the Ukrainians.

A few hours ago, Mr. Orban expressed his refusal to accept this step: “There is no reason to discuss with anyone, the conditions are not met.”“, he said coming to the meeting.

Mr. Zelensky was waiting for good news from Brussels, at a time when negative signals from Washington were multiplying.

In recent weeks, clouds have been gathering over Ukraine, whose counterattack has not yielded the expected results, with Western aid desperately needed for its war effort blocked.

As the decisive Brussels meeting began, Russian President Vladimir Putin showed his confidence in Moscow’s victory. “Practically along the line of contact, our forces are working to improve their positions.”He confirmed.

“If Putin wins in Ukraine, there is a real danger that he will not stop there.”NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned again.

The European Union also decided to grant Georgia candidate state status He begins, when he finds sufficient compliance with the conditions he has set, Accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina