EU leaders swiftly overcame Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s veto, securing a €50 billion financial aid deal for Ukraine at a Brussels summit.
The agreement provides crucial support as doubts arise regarding US assistance to Ukraine.
The unexpected change in Orban’s stance followed EU leaders’ offer of a possible review of the four-year funding package in two years, contingent on consensus among member states.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the deal as a resolute signal of solidarity.
The funds will address gaps in Ukraine’s budget, aiding salary payments and services amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
Orban’s prior obstruction in December had angered fellow EU leaders, but a resolution was swiftly reached after discussions with key leaders.
While not a direct quid-pro-quo, Orban obtained assurances of impartial handling of Budapest’s blocked funds, valued at €20 billion.
The deal marks a significant boost for Kyiv as it enters the third year of Russia’s war.
