Kyiv, Ukraine – As the four-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa arrived in Kyiv today, February 24, 2026, to reaffirm the European Union’s unwavering support for the nation. The visit underscores Europe’s commitment to Ukraine amidst continued Russian aggression, particularly the targeting of critical energy infrastructure as winter intensifies. However, the show of solidarity is shadowed by a deepening crisis within the EU itself, as Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has blocked a proposed €90 billion aid package for Ukraine and vetoed a 20th package of sanctions against Moscow.
The arrival of von der Leyen and Costa comes as Ukraine faces relentless attacks, with Russia continuing its attempts to cripple the country by targeting its energy grid. According to the European Commission, the EU has provided Ukraine with a total of €194.9 billion in support since the 2022 invasion, including €70 billion earmarked for military aid. This substantial financial commitment is now threatened by Orbán’s opposition, raising concerns about the future of aid to Ukraine.
Orbán’s Veto Creates a Crisis Within the EU
The timing of Orbán’s veto, coinciding with the anniversary of the invasion and ahead of Hungarian local elections on April 12th, has sparked outrage among EU leaders. Costa, prior to his departure for Kyiv, sent a strongly worded letter to Orbán, urging him to uphold the agreement reached at the December 27th European Council summit, where all 27 member states unanimously approved the €90 billion loan for Ukraine. Costa warned that Orbán’s actions violate the principle of loyal cooperation among EU nations. The European Council press release details the agreement reached in December.
Orbán responded by accusing Brussels and Kyiv of interfering in the Hungarian elections, framing the issue as a matter of national sovereignty. He also raised concerns regarding the Druzhba oil pipeline, alleging that Ukraine is deliberately delaying repairs. However, EU officials view this as a political tactic designed to leverage concessions from the EU. Orbán’s stance has even prompted a distancing from his political ally, Andrej Babiš of the Czech Republic, signaling a growing rift within the traditionally aligned political factions.
Energy Security and Infrastructure Damage
The visit to Kyiv will include a tour of an energy infrastructure site damaged by recent Russian missile strikes, highlighting the urgent need for continued support to bolster Ukraine’s energy security. The EU has already provided nearly €3 billion to Ukraine for energy security purposes, and ahead of this winter, mobilized over €900 million for emergency gas purchases. Currently, electricity export capacity from the EU to Ukraine is at its maximum level. The European Commission reports that the EU has also delivered over 157,000 tonnes of aid, including 1,000 generators, in the past month alone.
EU Considers Alternatives to Overcome Hungarian Veto
With the Hungarian veto threatening to derail crucial financial aid, the EU is exploring “creative solutions” to bypass the unanimity requirement. These options include enhanced cooperation among willing member states, potentially circumventing the need for a unanimous vote. As a last resort, the possibility of suspending Hungary’s voting rights within the EU is being considered, a move that would require a complex legal process.
High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, has warned that if Orbán maintains his veto, the EU may revert to “Plan A” – utilizing frozen Russian assets to fund aid to Ukraine. However, this approach faces resistance from France and Italy, who have expressed reservations about the legal and practical implications of seizing Russian assets. The use of frozen Russian assets would require a qualified majority, but securing that majority remains uncertain.
International Cooperation and Potential Peace Talks
Von der Leyen and Costa are scheduled to participate in a memorial ceremony commemorating the four years of war in Ukraine, followed by a trilateral meeting with President Zelenskyy. They will also attend a meeting of the “Volonterosi” coalition, convened by Paris and London, demonstrating continued international support for Ukraine. The EU has collectively provided nearly €200 billion in aid to Ukraine and remains committed to providing further assistance.
Although the EU is steadfast in its support for Ukraine, the prospect of peace negotiations remains complex. Discussions regarding potential peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States, possibly scheduled for February 27th or 28th, are ongoing. A key sticking point remains the question of whether to include Russia at the negotiating table. France and Italy have reportedly suggested engaging with Moscow, a proposal that has met with skepticism from Germany, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stating, “It’s a wrong signal. We want an agreement but Russia is not serious.” Kallas echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for clarity on Russia’s intentions before any negotiations can begin.
The upcoming meeting of the Coalition of the Willing is expected to address these issues and explore potential pathways towards a peaceful resolution. However, the long-term challenge of Ukraine’s EU membership continues to loom, with Orbán’s potential veto remaining a significant obstacle. The EU faces a critical juncture, balancing its commitment to Ukraine with the internal divisions that threaten to undermine its collective response to the ongoing crisis.
The next key development to watch will be the outcome of the European Council meeting scheduled for March, where the issue of the aid package for Ukraine and the Hungarian veto will be central to the agenda. The EU’s ability to overcome this impasse will be crucial in determining the future of its support for Ukraine and its own internal cohesion.
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