On Thursday, all leaders of the European Union came to an agreement to provide a support package worth 50 billion euros (equivalent to $54 billion) for Ukraine, which had faced opposition from Hungary in the past.

The EU’s support for Ukraine is a demonstration of its leadership and responsibility, according to European Council President Charles Michel. He emphasized the importance of the agreement and the risks involved.

Michel stated on X that this provides stable, extended, and anticipated funding for Ukraine.

The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressed his appreciation for the unanimous vote, stating that it demonstrates the strong unity of the EU.

On X, Zelenskyy stated that ongoing EU funding for Ukraine will enhance lasting economic and financial stability, which is of equal significance to military aid and sanctions against Russia.

On Thursday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that the approval given contradicts any discussions of supposed “fatigue” or decrease in support for Ukraine.

Kuleba stated that this serves as evidence that Putin’s desire to outlast Ukraine and the global community is ultimately pointless.

During the most recent council meeting in December, Hungary used its veto power to block a four-year, $54 billion financial assistance plan for Ukraine. Their reasoning was that the funds should not come from the European Union’s budget since Ukraine is not a member of the bloc. However, all 26 other member states voted in favor of providing aid to Ukraine.

According to Luigi Scazzieri from the Centre for European Reform, EU financial aid is crucial for Kyiv’s well-being.

Ukraine requires financial assistance to continue fighting in the war and to maintain financial stability. However, this aid does not focus on strengthening its military capabilities. There is a specific budget allocation for that, but it is also being delayed by Hungary. This topic will also be addressed during discussions. The proposed 5 billion euro addition to a shared fund by the EU is intended for providing weapons to Ukraine. These statements were made by the speaker in an interview with VOA.

The Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, has consistently posed a challenge to the EU’s solidarity on matters involving Russia and maintains a positive rapport with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Liana Fix, a Europe fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, stated that Hungary initially declined to participate in sanctions against Russia. Additionally, Hungary has chosen not to supply weapons to Ukraine and has withheld granting Ukraine candidate status for EU membership until its desired outcome is met.

The EU released $11 billion in EU funds to Hungary in December, which had previously been withheld due to concerns about the country’s democratic decline. However, the EU is still holding back $24 billion. According to Fix, Orban is expected to request the release of some of these funds.

The Financial Times newspaper reported on Monday that Brussels had issued a threat to harm the economy of Hungary if it did not remove its veto on providing aid to Ukraine. Budapest has accused the EU of using blackmail tactics.