In a surprising move, Hungary has blocked €50 billion ($55 billion; £43 billion) in EU aid for Ukraine just hours after an agreement was reached to begin membership talks. Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced the veto, stating, "Summary of the nightshift: veto for the extra money to Ukraine." Despite Hungary's opposition, EU leaders decided to open membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova, granting candidate status to Georgia.

Orban, known for close ties with Russia, left the negotiating room briefly, allowing the remaining 26 leaders to proceed with the vote. The aid negotiations are expected to resume early next year. Ukraine, heavily reliant on EU and US funding in its struggle against Russian forces, faces potential financial challenges as a result of Hungary's block.

While Orban did not veto the membership talks, he distanced himself from the decision, calling EU membership for Ukraine a "bad decision" in a Facebook video message. The Hungarian leader argued against providing substantial funds to Ukraine, emphasizing that it is not part of the EU.

EU leaders hailed the decision to open accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova as a historic move. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky celebrated the development as a "victory," while Moldovan President Maia Sandu expressed gratitude, stating, "We wouldn't be here today without Ukraine's brave resistance against Russia's brutal invasion."

The White House National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, welcomed the EU's move, calling it a "crucial step toward fulfilling their Euro-Atlantic aspirations." German Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised the support, asserting that both Ukraine and Moldova belong to "the European family."

However, the EU's decision does not guarantee immediate membership for Ukraine, as accession talks can take years. Meanwhile, Hungary's blocking of aid adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the region. Talks on the $61 billion US defense aid package for Ukraine are also delayed due to disagreements among US lawmakers. The situation raises concerns about the financial support needed for Ukraine's counter-offensive against Russian forces, which has stalled with the onset of winter.