Hungarys Orban blocked EU aid package to Ukraine

EU Leaders Condemn Hungarian Prime Minister’s Veto on $103 Billion Aid Package for Ukraine

European Union leaders have gathered at a summit in Brussels to discuss the stalled aid package for Ukraine, worth $103 billion. The package, which was agreed upon by all 27 member states in December, has been blocked by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban due to a dispute over a damaged pipeline.

Orban’s decision has sparked outrage among EU leaders, who have accused him of undermining the bloc’s decision-making process and jeopardizing Ukraine’s financial stability. The situation is particularly pressing, as Ukraine may run out of funds in weeks if it does not receive new funding.

The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has emphasized the urgency of showing support for Ukraine’s war effort. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has agreed to repair the damaged pipeline with technical help and funding from the EU.

Hungarian Prime Minister Orban has been criticized by other EU leaders for his stance, which they see as a tactic in his election campaign. The pipeline, which carried Russian oil through Ukraine to Hungary and Slovakia, was damaged by a Russian attack in January. Hungary claims it is already ready to operate the pipeline, while Ukraine says it will take time to repair.

The situation has raised concerns about the credibility of the European Council, the EU’s highest decision-making body. The EU leaders are expected to discuss possible solutions at the summit, including convincing Orban to drop his opposition to the loan package.

Source: Al Jazeera