Hungary’s prime minister Viktor Orban blasted the European Union’s approval of a €90 billion loan for Ukraine in a Friday press conference, accusing EU leaders of moral posturing and calling for accountability.
Orban Critiques EU Loan Decision
Prime Minister Viktor Orban condemned the European Union’s decision to grant Kyiv a €90 billion loan, arguing that the move displays moral hypocrisy. He suggested that EU leaders celebrate their actions while Ukraine’s soldiers confront the front lines.
Orban said the “war council” held in Brussels was not a political summit and that the EU’s decision to not use frozen Russian assets would require the EU to borrow directly from markets, backed by European budget guarantees.
Ukrainian FM Responds with 1939 Reference
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha compared Hungary’s criticism to its 1939 leadership, noting that Hungary’s occupation of Zakarpattia during the Czechoslovakian partition was similarly opaque.
€90 Billion Loan Approved Despite Asset Freeze
On December 19, EU leaders approved the €90 billion loan for Ukraine, a sum that will not be financed from frozen Russian assets as the EU could not reach an agreement on their use.
Instead, the European Union will take on the debt directly, using guarantees from the European budget to forward the money to Ukraine.
Belgium Opposes Use of Frozen Russian Assets
Belgium, where most frozen Russian funds are deposited, raised concerns about Moscow’s retaliation. It demanded limitless financial guarantees from all EU members if the Kremlin insists on multi‑billion compensation claims.
