Hungary blocks $7.1B EU aid to Ukraine
European Union member states are increasingly frustrated with Hungary’s obstruction of over $7.1 billion in military aid urgently needed by Ukraine to fend off Russian attacks. Hungary’s stance has led to discussions among diplomats about how to protect the EU fund from Hungary’s veto, especially with an expected influx of cash from immobilized Russian assets.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced that Hungary continues to block all funding for Ukrainian weapons, despite strong objections from other EU foreign ministers. He mentioned that Hungary faced significant pressure to relent, with colleagues expressing their frustrations openly.
Hungary’s blockade prevents the EU from using the agreed funds to aid Ukraine, despite a political consensus in March to increase the fund with billions in additional financing. Belgium’s Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib emphasized the need to respect agreements, stating, “We cannot accept a blockade of military aid.”
Hungary is blocking three separate $543.86 million tranches from the European Peace Facility for Ukraine. Additionally, in March, EU member states agreed to add $5.43 billion for 2024 to a weapons fund for Ukraine to ensure a steady supply of support.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Spain and Portugal, urging European allies for more military equipment. Budapest’s actions cause anxiety, as the EU fund is set to receive up to $3.26 billion in July from the profits of frozen Russian assets. Discussions are ongoing to insulate this money from Hungary’s vetoes to expedite aid to Ukraine.
A senior EU diplomat revealed that Hungary cited concerns about discrimination against Hungarian companies in Ukraine as a reason for blocking the fund. Greece and Cyprus also have reservations about non-EU weapon purchases, but Hungary is alone in outright blocking the fund.
The Lithuanian Foreign Minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, emphasized Hungary’s blocking of 41% of EU files related to Ukraine. Szijjarto added that Hungary opposes further sanctions on Russia and proposals to allow Western nationals to train Ukrainian soldiers in Ukraine.
Hungary is likely to cause more friction with a proposal to begin EU accession talks with Ukraine. Landsbergis emphasized that Hungary’s position has significantly impeded EU decisions.
