Slovakian premier backs Hungary's Orban for vetoing EU aid to Ukraine

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed his support for his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban on Tuesday for vetoing a €50 billion ($54.38 billion) European Union financial aid package for Ukraine.

In a joint press conference with Orban, Fico criticized Brussels for trying to ''punish'' Budapest over its stance on funds for Ukraine.

''As long as I am the head of the Slovak government, I will never agree that a country should be punished for fighting for its sovereignty. I will never agree with such an attack on Hungary,'' Fico said during a visit to Budapest.

Orban said that Hungary does not want to solve the issue with the European Union’s budget.

''We do not want to take up a loan jointly with anyone,'' he said.

The €50 billion financial support plan for Ukraine, which required unanimity at the EU Leaders Summit in December, was vetoed by Hungary.

Hungary opposes providing financial aid to Ukraine because the EU budget should support member countries, there is serious corruption in Ukraine, and Western support for the war has not yielded results.

EU leaders, who have not yet decided on the issue, will hold a summit in Brussels on Feb. 1, where they will discuss financial support to Ukraine and revisions to the EU’s long-term budget.