A $61bn defence aid package from the US has also been delayed because of major disagreements between Democrat and Republican lawmakers. Long delays in financial aid for the country would cause big problems for Ukraine's budget, economists have warned - while Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Hungary for blocking the EU aid package.



Ukraine war: Hungary PM opposes Ukraine joining EU

Hungary's prime minister has reiterated his stance that Ukraine does not meet the conditions required to join the European Union.

Arriving at a summit of EU leaders, Viktor Orban said Hungary could back granting long-term financial aid to Ukraine outside of the European Union budget. EU leaders say Ukraine has met six of the seven requirements to join the bloc, but they have been obstructed in their efforts by Hungary to begin accession talks with Kyiv.



Hungary blocks €50bn of EU funding for Ukrain

Hungary has blocked €50bn ($55bn; £43bn) in EU aid for Ukraine - just hours after an agreement was reached on starting membership talks. "Summary of the nightshift: veto for the extra money to Ukraine," Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said after Thursday's talks in Brussels.

EU leaders said the aid negotiations would resume early next year.

The aid blocking was announced by Mr Orban shortly after the EU leaders decided to open membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova and to grant candidate status to Georgia. Hungary - which maintains close ties with Russia - has long opposed membership for Ukraine but did not veto that move.