President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticized Hungarian leader Viktor Orban for blocking a vital 90 billion euro aid package from the European Union, which Ukraine needs to survive amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. This package is crucial as Ukraine focuses its budget on defense while heavily relying on financial aid from international partners. Zelenskiy expressed hope that Orban would stop blocking the aid and emphasized the need for weapons for Ukrainian soldiers, making a pointed comment about giving Orban’s address to troops to communicate directly with him.
The tension between the two leaders is rising, especially since Hungary’s veto followed Ukraine’s alleged actions that led to oil supply cuts from the Druzhba pipeline to Europe. Ukraine insists that these cuts resulted from a Russian attack on the pipeline infrastructure, which it is repairing. Zelenskiy expressed frustration over Hungary’s stance, suggesting it affects Orban’s election campaign. Despite facing significant challenges, like heavy Russian assaults, Ukraine has recently regained territory. European foreign ministers have attempted to persuade Hungary not to retaliate against Ukraine, while Slovakia, influenced by Orban, has also withheld emergency electricity supplies from Kyiv until oil flows are restored.
With information from Reuters
