Trouble Mounts For Zelenskyy As Hungary Vetoes Ukraine's EU Aid Package; Membership Prospects Remain Uncertain

In a surprising turn of events at the European Union (EU) summit on Thursday (14 December), leaders failed to reach a consensus on a crucial 50 billion-euro financial aid package desperately needed by Ukraine.

As reported by Indian Express, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's veto dealt a severe blow to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's efforts to secure international support for his country, already strained after the recent setback in the United States.

The aid package, aimed at helping Ukraine stay afloat amid economic challenges, was blocked by Orban, who also raised objections to a review of the EU budget.

Orban's opposition was not limited to the financial aid; he had earlier threatened to veto the start of accession talks but eventually refrained from doing so.

While the EU's decision to open membership negotiations was hailed as a victory for Ukraine by President Zelenskyy, the financial aid deadlock remains a pressing issue for the country's survival in the coming year.

In a parallel development, the EU also decided to open membership negotiations with Ukraine's neighbor, Moldova.

The unexpected outcome came at a critical time for President Zelenskyy, who had just returned from a visit to Washington, where his plea for additional aid from the United States Congress was unsuccessful.