Ukraine may receive billions without Fico or Orbán

Ukraine could receive financial support from EU countries to continue the war with Russia even if Hungary and Slovakia block the planned €90 billion loan.

EU diplomats told Politico that the Baltic and Nordic states are preparing an alternative plan to provide Kyiv with roughly €30 billion in bilateral loans. Such a mechanism would not require the consent of all member states.

However, Brussels is still trying to persuade Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to support a joint European loan covering a large part of Ukraine’s financial needs until 2027.

Orbán withdrew his support after the Druzhba oil pipeline, which carries oil to Hungary and Slovakia via Ukraine, was damaged.

The situation is further complicated by Hungary’s election campaign, in which Orbán is focusing on criticism of Ukraine. At the same time, Brussels hopes that Budapest’s stance could soften after the election if opposition leader Tisza wins. According to diplomats, efforts are also under way to persuade Bratislava to step back from a potential blockade.

(mja)