Hungary lifts final veto on €6.6 billion EU air defense package for Ukraine

Hungary has lifted its final veto on a €6.6 billion ($7.6 billion) EU support package for Ukraine, clearing the way for funding that could help strengthen the country’s air defenses against Russian attacks, the Hungarian newspaper Népszava reported on Friday.

EU ambassadors have already approved the use of the European Peace Facility for Ukraine, ending a two-year period during which Budapest blocked the initiative. The next step will see the European External Action Service prepare the necessary legal framework before member states give final approval.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the funding is expected to support the expansion of air defense capabilities, potentially including systems purchased from the US.

In a parallel move, Hungary also formally removed its objections to opening the first cluster of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations after reaching an agreement with Kyiv regarding the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region. Current Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced the understanding with the Ukrainian government earlier this week. As a result, the EU is expected to convene an intergovernmental conference later this month to formally open the first negotiation cluster, covering rule of law, judicial reform and related governance issues.

The reported release of EU funding comes as Ukraine continues seeking additional air defense systems and interceptor missiles from its Western allies. President Volodymyr Zelensky this week ordered Ukrainian officials to speed up efforts to secure additional Patriot missile systems, warning of personnel consequences if delays continue. Ukrainian intelligence recently warned that Russia can launch around 100 ballistic missiles per month without depleting its stockpiles, while the military cautioned that jet-powered Russian drones, which are harder to intercept, could soon account for up to half of each air raid against Ukraine.