Hungary Blocks EU's €50 Billion Aid to Ukraine

On Thursday, December 14, Hungary prevented the European Union from providing an additional €50 billion in aid to Ukraine. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, in a message referencing discussions about aid budgets for Ukraine, wrote: "Results of the night meeting (EU leaders' summit): 'Veto of the additional budget for Ukraine, veto of the revision of the EU multiannual budget.'" He stated that "we will return to this issue next year after proper preparation." Charles Michel, President of the European Council, reacted to Hungary's decision, saying: "We have reached an agreement with 26 countries. Viktor Orban, Hungary, has not been able to do this yet. I am confident that we can reach an agreement at the beginning of next year; we are thinking of the end of January." According to Mr. Michel, the heads of EU member states will revisit this issue at the beginning of the next calendar year and will try to reach a consensus. Simultaneously with Hungary's negative vote, EU member state leaders unexpectedly agreed to start membership negotiations with Ukraine in this economic-political entity. Earlier, the Hungarian Prime Minister had stated that he would prevent the start of these discussions. Diplomats and EU officials said that Viktor Orban, knowing that other leaders would vote in favor of starting Ukraine's membership negotiations, agreed to leave the voting venue. Hungary, contrary to Europe's sanctions policy against Russia, signed a gas contract; reports indicate that the EU has given the green light to start negotiations for Ukraine's membership. Officials: Borrell calls for €20 billion EU aid to Ukraine.