The European Union is set to take a significant step in its support for Ukraine by releasing 1.4 billion euros from frozen Russian assets in early August, as announced by EU High Representative Josep Borrell. This funding will be allocated to purchase priority military equipment for Ukraine, including air defense systems, artillery shells, and support for Ukraine’s defense industry. Borrell emphasized that this approach is ‘the most logical and effective way’ to provide military support to Ukraine.However, tensions within the EU have escalated as Hungary continues to block additional funding for Ukraine’s defense through the European Peace Fund. At a meeting in Brussels on July 22, EU foreign ministers failed to reach an agreement on unblocking over 6 billion euros in military aid for Ukraine due to Hungary’s opposition. Borrell criticized Hungary’s stance, stating that one member state considers the purchase of weapons for Ukraine ‘unacceptable and unbearable’.The situation has led to broader criticism of Hungary’s foreign policy. Borrell and other EU officials have condemned Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s ‘peace mission’ initiatives, arguing that they benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin rather than bringing peace to Ukraine. Borrell stated, ‘Any ‘peace mission’ that ignores the fundamental principles of justice, freedom, and responsibility would ultimately benefit Putin and not bring peace’.In a related development, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has called on EU foreign ministers to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of provided long-range weapons. Sikorski argued that this would allow Ukraine to better defend itself against Russian attacks, citing recent shelling of a children’s oncology hospital in Kyiv as an example.The ongoing disagreements within the EU regarding support for Ukraine highlight the complex geopolitical landscape as the conflict continues to evolve. While the majority of EU members push for increased military aid to Ukraine, Hungary’s opposition presents a significant challenge to unified EU action.
Key points
- EU to release 1.
- Hungary blocks additional 6 billion euros in EU military aid for Ukraine through the European Peace Fund.
- EU officials criticize Hungary’s ‘peace initiatives’ as benefiting Russia rather than Ukraine.
- Poland calls for lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons.
4 billion euros from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine for military aid in early August.
Contradictions👾While the EU plans to release funds from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, Hungary continues to block additional EU funding for Ukraine’s defense, creating internal tensions within the EU.
