EU Support for Ukraine Stumbles as Hungary Looks to Delay Aid

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by Jeanna Smialek and Constant Méheut

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

European Union support for Ukraine faces significant hurdles as Hungary moves to block both new sanctions against Russia and a $106 billion financial aid package for Kyiv. Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary, who has maintained friendly ties with Russia and criticized Ukraine, announced that his country would delay these measures. This decision comes just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, when European unity and support for Kyiv were expected to be showcased. The sanctions package aimed at increasing pressure on Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine had been a key initiative for the EU. However, Hungary’s opposition has created uncertainty, with EU officials hopeful that this is just a temporary setback rather than a complete derailment. Meanwhile, the $90 billion aid package agreed upon earlier—intended to fund Ukraine’s defense and daily needs—has also been stalled, leaving Kyiv in a precarious financial position. Ukrainian officials had hoped for the first disbursements by spring to avoid a potential budget crunch. Orban’s decision is seen as an attempt to strengthen his political standing ahead of Hungary’s April elections, where he currently trails in some polls. His history of delaying EU decisions while eventually allowing them through suggests this might not be the final outcome, but it has already caused significant disruption. The delay undermines European unity at a time when Kyiv desperately needs financial and diplomatic support to continue its defense against Russia. The situation highlights the challenges of consensus-based decision-making within the EU. While the sanctions package could still pass, the delay in aid creates uncertainty for Ukraine as it prepares for what is expected to be a critical phase in its war effort. This development underscores the delicate balance of political and economic interests within the bloc and raises questions about how effectively the EU can respond to ongoing crises. Overall, Hungary’s actions have injected new tension into an already complex geopolitical landscape. For readers interested in global affairs, this story illustrates both the potential for division within European alliances and the high stakes of navigating relations with Russia during a protracted conflict.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/23/2026