EU Agrees to Open Accession Talks with Ukraine Despite Failed Financial Aid Package

BRUSSELS — The European Union (EU) failed to agree on a 50 billion-euro ($54 billion) package of financial aid for Ukraine, even as the bloc decided Thursday to open accession negotiations with the war-torn country.

The aid package was vetoed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, delivering a tough blow to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after he failed this week to persuade U.S. lawmakers to approve an additional $61 billion for Ukraine, mainly to buy weapons from the U.S.

Despite the setback, the EU did agree to open accession talks with Ukraine, a momentous moment and stunning reversal for a country at war that had struggled to find the backing for its membership aspirations.

The decision to open accession talks was welcomed by the Ukrainian government, which said it was a “historic day” for Ukraine and a “clear sign of support” from the EU.

The EU’s decision to open accession talks with Ukraine is seen as a major step forward for the country, which is in the midst of a war with Russia. It is hoped that the accession talks will help to bring stability to the region and provide a path to peace.