Budapest: Hungary has called on the European Union to stop providing new financial aid to Ukraine after fresh corruption allegations shook Kyiv and raised concerns among European partners. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said the reports show that Ukraine is struggling with what he described as a powerful corrupt network, and argued that the EU should reconsider its financial commitments.
The comments follow a major corruption probe in Ukraine involving the state nuclear company Energoatom. Ukrainian investigators say about one hundred million dollars may have been misused through a network of business contracts. Two senior ministers have already lost their positions as the investigation widens. Kyiv has promised to cooperate fully with anti corruption agencies and has said that corruption will not be tolerated during wartime.
The scandal has triggered debate inside the EU. Many member states continue to support strong financial assistance for Ukraine, saying the country needs help to keep essential services running and to defend itself. But others are asking the European Commission to place stronger conditions and monitoring on future support. Hungary has been the most outspoken critic, saying that more money should not be sent until the EU has a clear picture of how existing funds are being used.
The corruption case has also caused concern in Brussels as Ukraine seeks to advance its long term goal of joining the EU. Some officials say the country must show faster progress on reforms to meet the standards required for membership. Hungary has repeatedly warned that admitting a country with weak oversight could create problems for the entire bloc.
Despite the tensions, EU leaders say they will continue discussions on financial aid and enlargement. Many believe that supporting Ukraine remains essential for European security, but also agree that stronger safeguards may be needed to protect EU funds.
Ukraine’s government has pledged to carry out a full audit of public companies and strengthen transparency. Kyiv says it wants to prove to its partners that it can reform even under the pressure of war.