Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that the conflict in Ukraine can only be resolved through negotiation, revealing his country’s condition for approving European Union funding for Ukraine.
In an interview with Le Point magazine, Orban emphasized, “Over time, we have become convinced that there is no military solution to the conflict in Ukraine. We believe that the only solution is a diplomatic one, which entails a ceasefire and the initiation of peace negotiations.”
Orban pointed out that the proposal to allocate 50 billion euros from the European Union to Ukraine “falls within the framework of a military solution.”
The Hungarian Prime Minister remarked, “I do not support this, and neither do the people of Hungary. Hungary opposes the escalation of the conflict and has every right not to approve the European Union’s proposals in this area.”
At the recent European Union summit held in Brussels on December 14 and 15, Orban prevented amendments to the EU budget for the period 2024-2027, which included allocating 50 billion euros for Ukraine.
Orban stated he is ready to make a joint decision with the other 26 EU countries regarding funding for Ukraine at the summit scheduled for February 1, provided that approval for the amount is guaranteed annually by consensus.
The United States has been a significant provider of aid to Ukraine, especially since the onset of Russia’s invasion in February 2022. US Congress have allocated over $75 billion in assistance, encompassing humanitarian, financial, and military support. This support has been crucial for various Ukrainian sectors, including refugees, law enforcement, and media, although a large portion has been military-related. The U.S. continues to play a pivotal role in coordinating international aid efforts, with at least 30 countries contributing security assistance to Ukraine. The aid includes sophisticated weapons systems, training, and intelligence crucial for Ukraine’s defense against Russia.
US President Joe Biden announced an additional $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine, raising the total U.S. security assistance to $1 billion in just a week, and totaling $2 billion since the start of his administration. This package includes a wide range of military equipment and ammunition, aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s capabilities to defend against Russia’s aggression.
On the European front, the European Union (EU) has been actively supporting Ukraine through condemnation of Russia’s aggression, sanctions, and providing financial and material aid. The EU and the European Parliament have been supportive of Ukraine’s aspirations to become an EU candidate country. Despite some challenges, such as Hungary’s opposition to an aid package in December 2023, the EU continues to back Ukraine in its efforts to maintain sovereignty and defend against the invasion.
