BRUSSELS: Russia has praised Hungary for blocking the EU financial assistance to Ukraine at a Brussels conference, Western media reported on Friday.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Hungary contrary to many European states has firmly defends its interests, which impresses Moscow.
In a major development Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban vetoed the EU’s move to allocate 50 billion euros ($54 billion) over four years for Ukraine.
However, when the EU leaders discussed opening of accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova, Orban preferred to leave the room.
Brussels pitting eastern European countries against Russia
Peskov termed it a politicized decision adding that new members can actually destabilize the European body. He alleged that Brussels is pitting eastern European countries against Russia.
He added that everything is being done to annoy Russia and provoke these countries toward Moscow.
Hungary under Orban is strong supporter of Russia in the EU and Moscow considers the eastern European state as one of its only allies inside the bloc.
Earlier Orban, in an interview with Hungarian state media said the planned EU money for Ukraine worth tens of billions of euros is actually the amount that Brussels has frozen for Hungary because of democratic backsliding.
He said this is a great opportunity for Hungary to clearly state it should get what it deserves.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, who did not attend conference called the membership talks a victory that motivates, inspires, and strengthens Kyiv.
The White House that faces opposition from US Republicans to support Ukraine hailed the decision.
The agreement to start membership negotiations with Kyiv does not mean that Ukraine will soon be joining the EU.
