EU Expansion Chief Sees Hungary Election as Key to Ukraine Aid
The European Union's commissioner for enlargement, Marta Kos, has stated that the recent election result in Hungary, which saw the defeat of long-ruling nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán, could significantly aid Ukraine by unlocking a substantial €90 billion loan. Speaking on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank spring meetings, Kos described the Hungarian election on Sunday as a "big win for Europe" and expressed personal expectations that this political shift will positively impact Ukraine's accession process to the EU.
Orbán's Veto and Its Implications
Viktor Orbán had previously exercised an effective veto on the release of these crucial funds, a move that angered other EU leaders. His opposition was tied to a dispute with Ukraine over a damaged pipeline carrying Russian oil, which had stalled financial support. With his defeat, the path is now clearer for the EU to provide the loan, which is urgently needed to prop up Ukraine's budget amidst ongoing conflict.
International Support and UK's Financial Commitment
In related developments, Britain is set to announce additional support for Ukraine worth millions of pounds on Wednesday. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to confirm a £752 million payment to Kyiv ahead of a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko in Washington DC. This payment is part of a larger £3.36 billion loan intended to fund essential weaponry, including long-range missiles, air defence systems, and drones, bolstering Ukraine's military capabilities.
Zelenskyy's Concerns Over US Attention
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced concerns on Tuesday, telling German broadcaster ZDF that US peace negotiators "have no time for Ukraine" due to the war in Iran. He highlighted disruptions to deliveries of US arms and noted that negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who have been involved in talks with Moscow to end Russia's war on Ukraine, are currently "constantly in talks with Iran." Zelenskyy described them as "pragmatic" but warned that without US pressure on Putin, Russia may not fear consequences, potentially prolonging the conflict.
Norway-Ukraine Defence Cooperation
Norway and Ukraine have agreed to strengthen their bilateral defence cooperation, as announced by the Norwegian government on Tuesday. This partnership includes producing Ukrainian drones in Norway, with Norway supporting drone production in Ukraine and sharing data, information, and knowledge. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere emphasized the importance of learning from Ukraine's experiences in the fight against Russian aggression, stating it is crucial for future strategies.
US Sanctions Relief on Russian Oil
In a separate move, US officials announced an extension of sanctions relief on Russian oil company Lukoil for fuel stations outside Russia. The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) action allows Lukoil-branded stations in countries like the United States to continue operations through 29 October, aiming to mitigate spikes in crude prices. This measure permits transactions in the ordinary course of business, such as procuring supplies and processing payroll.
