Politics

Ukraine faces crucial EU test after US leaves it empty handed

Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister, has threatened to veto attempts by European leaders to agree a €50 billion support package for Ukraine

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen meets President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv in April 2022. Picture: Getty

Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister, is set to dictate the outcome of a summit of European Union leaders - with the potential to turn it into a failure and highlight crumbling support for Ukraine.

Orban’s push to block funding for Ukraine and obstruct the start of talks for the country to join the EU has frustrated partners in the bloc before the gathering in Brussels on Thursday and Friday.

Orban’s opposition to a €50 ...