Leaders of the European Union have intensified pressure on Viktor Orbán during a high-stakes summit in Brussels, accusing him of blocking a crucial €90 billion ($103 billion) aid package for Ukraine and undermining collective decision-making as the war with Russia enters its fifth year.
The funding package, originally agreed upon in December by all 27 member states, remains stalled after Orbán reversed his position and vetoed its implementation, citing disputes tied to a damaged energy pipeline. His move has raised concerns about unity within the bloc and the credibility of the European Council.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Kaja Kallas stressed the urgency of the situation, warning that Ukraine’s war effort depends heavily on sustained financial backing. “It’s really, really time to show our support to Ukraine,” she said.
Tensions have escalated as Kyiv faces the risk of running out of funds within weeks without fresh financial assistance. The dispute has been further complicated by disagreements between Orbán and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, particularly over the repair of the Druzhba pipeline, which was damaged in a Russian attack earlier this year.
Several European leaders openly criticized Orbán’s stance, with Petteri Orpo accusing him of using the Ukraine issue as leverage in Hungary’s domestic politics ahead of upcoming elections. “He’s using Ukraine as a weapon in his election campaign, and it’s not good,” Orpo said.
Orbán, widely regarded as a close ally of Vladimir Putin and admired by Donald Trump, has framed Ukraine’s leadership as a threat to Hungary, a position that has further strained relations within the EU.
Diplomats at the summit are now working to persuade Hungary to lift its veto, pointing to recent progress by Ukraine in agreeing to repair the Druzhba pipeline with EU support. The pipeline, which transports Russian oil through Ukraine to Hungary and Slovakia, remains a critical point of contention.
As divisions deepen, the outcome of the Brussels summit is seen as pivotal for both Ukraine’s immediate financial stability and the European Union’s ability to maintain a unified front against Russian aggression.
