Meloni Understands Orbán’s Ukraine Stance Amid EU Criticism

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed sympathy for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s position regarding Ukraine during a closed-door session of the recent EU summit, according to diplomats familiar with the discussions. Meloni reportedly acknowledged the political realities facing Orbán ahead of upcoming elections, stating that his stance was “normal, things change,” and that she would understand being in a similar situation.

Despite this understanding, Meloni reiterated her personal support for the immediate disbursement of the €90 billion aid package for Ukraine during the closed-door meeting, as reported by Politico. While the Italian government has stated that the attributed opinion is inaccurate, sources suggest few share Orbán’s current opposition. The shift in Hungary’s position – from previously supporting the aid package to now blocking it – has drawn criticism from numerous European leaders.

Prior to the summit, Orbán insisted that the resumption of Russian oil flows via the Druzhba pipeline was a prerequisite for reconsidering his opposition to the aid package. He argued that Russian oil is vital for the Hungarian economy, stating that without it, “we will go bankrupt.”

According to reports following the summit, at least 20 national leaders voiced their disapproval of Orbán’s actions. European Council President António Costa deemed the Hungarian veto “unacceptable,” asserting that Orbán had crossed a “red line.”

Orbán, in a video statement released after the negotiations, described the meeting as “tough,” with pressure coming from all sides. He stated, “They tried this in the wrong place and at the wrong time.”

The situation comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for increased financial assistance from the EU to support his country’s defense against Russia. The stalled aid package threatens to impede Ukraine’s ability to sustain its war effort and rebuild its economy.

As of Friday, March 20, 2026, the EU has not announced a resolution to the impasse, and no further meetings have been scheduled to address the issue.