EU to fund Ukraine with €1.2 billion, bypassing Hungary's block

Foreign ministers from 26 EU countries have decided to grant Ukraine at least 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion) for ammunition and air defense. They bypassed "pro-Kremlin Hungary," reports Katarzyna Szymańska-Borginon, Polish station RMF FM correspondent in Brussels.

The journalist added that "Hungary continues to block nearly 7 billion euros ($7.4 billion) from the Peace Fund, from which the money already spent by EU countries on arms for Ukraine is reimbursed, including 450 million euros ($478 million) for Poland for the weapons transferred to Ukraine."

On July 1, Hungary takes over the rotating six-month presidency of the Council of the EU.

Just before Hungary's presidency in the Council of the EU began, Prime Minister Viktor Orban advocated for negotiations regarding Russia's war against Ukraine. In an interview with Germany's Funke media group, he also expressed his belief that "we wouldn't have this war now if Angela Merkel were still Chancellor."

The Hungarian Prime Minister chose the motto "Make Europe Great Again" for his country's presidency in the Council of the EU, referencing Trump's campaign slogan. Besides ending the war in Ukraine, Hungary will aim to increase Europe's competitiveness, address migration issues, and continue the EU's expansion in the Western Balkans during its presidency, Orban announced.