courtesy: India today
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European leaders agreed to open EU membership talks with Ukraine, a move which was hailed as “victory” by the country’s president Volodymyr Zelensky. However, the regional union was unable to pass a crucial aid package for Kyiv after Hungary blocked it.
Charles Michel, President of EU Council, announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that it would “open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova” and have granted candidate status to Georgia. He added that the move was a “clear signal of hope” towards its people and our continent.
The news were promptly received by Ukrainian leader Zelensky, whose people have been facing a devastating war with Russia since February 2022.
However, the European leaders were unable to sign off on a multi-billion dollar financial aid package for Ukraine post Hungary was the sole nation to voice opposition, according to Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
Rutte said 26 of 27 EU member states agreed on the Ukraine funding but that “Viktor Orban, Hungary, is not yet able to do that. I hope next year.”
Orban and his government have always been the closest ally of Kremlin within the European bloc.