Orban Allows EU Vote on Ukraine Accession Talks, Blocks Aid Package

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, known as Putin's closest EU ally, has stated he will use his veto power if he believes Hungary's interests are at risk.

• Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban allowed EU leaders to unanimously vote for the start of accession talks for Ukraine, despite his previous objections.
• Orban has stated that he will use his veto power if he believes Hungary's interests are at risk, and that there will be many opportunities to interrupt Ukraine's accession process.
• Orban blocked a €50bn aid package to Ukraine, which is seen as a major blow to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
• Orban is seen as Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest ally in the EU, and has been accused of promoting Moscow's interests over those of his EU and NATO allies.
• Orban's resistance in Brussels has gained him some bonus points in Moscow, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that Hungary's firm defense of its interests is impressive.

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