In a strong rebuke, Luxembourg's outgoing Prime Minister Xavier Bettel criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for his recent handshake with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking at the European Council summit, Bettel expressed his disappointment and labeled Orbán's act as a disregard for the sacrifices made by Ukrainian soldiers amidst ongoing Russian aggression.

Bettel reiterated his previous remarks, stating that Orbán's action was a "middle finger" to all Ukrainian soldiers who are facing daily peril and enduring the brunt of Russian attacks. Ukraine has been locked in a struggle against a full-scale invasion by Russia for the past 20 months.

During budget discussions on Thursday, Orbán made it clear to EU leaders that he would not back down in his stance. An exasperated Bettel condemned Orbán, criticizing his attempts to hold the EU hostage by demanding financial aid in exchange for support to Ukraine. Bettel stressed that Orbán's claim of needing financial assistance for his own country should not overshadow the pressing needs of Ukraine.

The Hungarian Prime Minister's handshake with President Putin last week has drawn widespread criticism from EU leaders. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda described Orbán as a Russian "flirt," expressing regret over his failure to apologize or distance himself from Moscow's influence.

Orbán's close ties with Russia have been a subject of concern among EU members, particularly in light of ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe. The Hungarian Prime Minister's actions have further strained the relationship between Hungary and the EU.

The incident has sparked debate among EU leaders on how to address Hungary's continuous obstruction of financial aid to Ukraine. The situation highlights the challenges faced by the bloc in balancing the diverse interests of its member states while maintaining a united front against external threats.

As the European Council summit continues, the issue of Hungary's stance towards Russia and its implications for EU solidarity are expected to feature prominently in the discussions. EU leaders are grappling with finding a resolution that upholds the values of the European Union while addressing Orbán's demands for financial aid. The ramifications of this standoff within the bloc remain to be seen, with potential implications for both Hungary's relationship with the EU and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.