Hungary Blocks EU Security Guarantees for Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict

In a significant setback for the European Union’s support for Ukraine, Hungary has blocked a draft document aimed at securing security guarantees and a new military aid package for Kyiv. The decision, made during a meeting of EU ambassadors last Friday, has raised concerns over the EU’s ability to present a unified front in light of the ongoing conflict with Russia, as reported by Politico, citing diplomatic sources in Brussels.

The draft, intended for ambassadorial discussion, outlined crucial provisions for long-term support for Ukraine, including commitments to bolster its security and supply new arms. However, Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government vetoed the document, rejecting language that could be perceived as escalating the EU’s military presence or financial commitments. This move underscores Hungary’s longstanding opposition to extensive military assistance for Ukraine, a stance it has maintained since the onset of the conflict in 2022, advocating instead for negotiations with Moscow.

The lack of consensus within the EU, where decisions require unanimous approval, has effectively stalled advancements in the bloc’s support for Ukraine, leaving both Ukraine and its European allies in a precarious position.