In an interview with Hungarian state radio Kossuth, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed reservations about the start of Ukraine's negotiations for EU membership. Orbán stated that the discussions on Ukraine's accession do not align with Hungary's national interests and urged the EU to propose a "strategic partnership" with Ukraine before commencing accession talks. These comments come amidst a crucial EU summit in December, where the decision on Ukraine's membership talks and a proposed EU budget revision will be discussed.

Orbán emphasized that the question of the consequences of Ukraine's EU membership remains unanswered and therefore, it would not be advisable to proceed with the negotiations. He suggested that EU member states should offer aid to Ukraine from their own national coffers rather than relying on the EU budget. Orbán further stressed that the topic of Ukraine's accession should not even be on the agenda for the upcoming summit on December 14-15.

Hungary has the power to potentially veto any decision on Ukraine's membership talks or providing further financial and military aid to Kyiv. Orbán's government has been critical of Ukraine's approach to minority rights, particularly concerning the ethnic Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia. Orbán has also advocated for a separate financial fund outside the EU budget, based on an intergovernmental agreement, in order to provide aid to Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials, however, remain optimistic that Hungary's opposition can be overcome and that the negotiations for EU membership will proceed. Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna expressed confidence in Ukraine's ability to win over Hungary and emphasized that Budapest's position undermines the enlargement process for a united Europe. She called for a clear response from member states regarding Hungary's stance.

European Council President Charles Michel visited Budapest on a mission to ease tensions after Orbán's anti-EU remarks. The EU has previously frozen €22 billion in cohesion funds for Hungary, citing the need for reforms ensuring the independence of judges, academics, and the rights of the LGBTQ community. Critics have accused Orbán of attempting to use the issue of aid to Ukraine as leverage in releasing the frozen funds. However, positive developments regarding the independence of the judiciary could potentially lead to the release of the frozen funds.

As the EU braces for a crucial summit in December, the discussion on Ukraine's EU membership talks and financial assistance will be intertwined. The outcome will require the unanimous decision of all 27 member states, with Hungary potentially holding significant influence in shaping the future of Ukraine's relationship with the European Union.