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Orbán and Fico oppose €90 billion package, deepening divisions within the European Union
The European Union failed to secure unanimous approval for a 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine after Hungary and Slovakia refused to give up their veto during a leaders' summit in Brussels.
Negotiations with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán lasted about an hour and a half, but did not produce an agreement, leaving the union facing another internal dispute.
European Council President Antonio Costa criticized Budapest's stance, calling it unacceptable and contrary to the spirit of cooperation within the EU. On the other hand, Orbán defended the use of the veto as a legitimate right of member states.
Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico also took a similar stance. Both leaders accused Ukraine of delays in restoring the Druzhba gas pipeline, which supplies their countries with cheaper Russian oil. According to Fico, damage from drone attacks earlier this year has disrupted supplies and brought economic consequences for Slovakia.
Meanwhile, the other 25 EU leaders adopted a joint statement, reaffirming strong support for Ukraine's independence, territorial integrity and European perspective.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participated in the summit via videoconference and called for the acceleration of financial and military aid for his country.
According to the final statement, the credit issue is expected to be brought back up for discussion at the next meeting of European Union leaders.
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