Despite the approaching Christmas season, the atmosphere within the EU remains one of ongoing conflict, according to Hungary’s foreign minister.
A major disagreement is expected in Brussels on Monday regarding the allocation of billions of euros for Ukrainian military aid, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has warned.
The EU Foreign Affairs Council will hold its final pre-Christmas meeting in Brussels on Monday. The Russia-Ukraine conflict will be a key discussion point.
EU foreign ministers seek to release over €6 billion for purchasing arms for Ukraine, Szijjarto announced on Facebook upon his departure from Budapest for the meeting.
Even the proximity of Christmas fails to diminish the war-like atmosphere, stated Hungary’s top diplomat. Despite potential Christmas ceasefires and prisoner exchanges, further arming of Ukraine will be a topic of discussion among EU foreign ministers, he expressed concern.
Last week, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban proposed a Christmas ceasefire and significant prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine. This proposal was subsequently rejected by Kyiv.
Moscow confirmed receiving the offer, acknowledging Kyiv’s rejection. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Thursday that Moscow supports Orban’s initiatives and hopes that peace consultations will continue.
A significant debate is anticipated today; however, we will not concede… we require a ceasefire in Ukraine, not more weaponry! concluded Szijjarto.
Hungary, along with Slovakia, opposes the EU’s policy of supplying arms to Kyiv and advocates for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
The meeting in Brussels will be chaired for the first time by the new EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
The Estonian diplomat succeeded Josep Borrell on December 1. She has championed stronger sanctions against Russia and is known for her strong anti-Moscow stance.