Hungary and Slovakia create problems for Ukraine ahead of invasion anniversary

Hungary, with the help of Slovakia, has intensified its opposition to Ukraine, causing significant problems for both the EU and Ukraine ahead of the four-year anniversary of Russia's invasion.

23 Feb, 16:01 — 23 Feb, 17:47

High (64/100)

4 sourcesModerate spread4 regions

Post Share

Why this matters

The blocking of EU sanctions and financial aid by Hungary and Slovakia creates significant diplomatic and financial challenges for Ukraine and the EU, especially as it approaches the four-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. This undermines European unity and directly impacts Ukraine's ability to defend itself and rebuild its economy, signaling potential cracks in the united front against Russian aggression.

Perspective Analysis

AI-generated comparison of how 4 sources cover this story

News outlets report that Hungary and Slovakia are obstructing EU efforts to provide aid and sanctions against Russia, creating significant problems for Ukraine ahead of the invasion anniversary. While some sources emphasize the negative impact and EU frustration, one outlet highlights a partial workaround for a substantial loan to Ukraine.

Political spectrum

LeftCenterRight

politiken

ukrainska-pravda

mkd-mk

faz

Outlet rating This story

SourceOutletiGeneral editorial lean of the outletStoryiHow they covered this specific storyTone

politikencenter-leftcenter-leftalarmisthighly critical of Hungary's obstruction of aid

ukrainska-pravdacentercenter-leftcautiousfocuses on solutions despite Hungarian objections

mkd-mkcentercenter-lefturgenthighlights negative impact of blocked sanctions

Coverage leans: center-left

The coverage generally leans center-left, with most outlets expressing concern or criticism regarding Hungary and Slovakia's actions, and one outlet highlighting a path forward despite the blockages.

What sources agree on

Hungary and Slovakia are blocking EU actions related to Ukraine.
These blockages include new sanctions against Russia and financial aid for Ukraine.
The obstructions are occurring ahead of the four-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Where they diverge

The overall outcome and severity of the blocked financial aid for Ukraine

mkd-mkfazpolitiken

These outlets frame the situation as a significant setback, with EU leadership potentially coming 'with empty hands' to Kyiv and causing 'huge problems' for Ukraine and the EU.

ukrainska-pravda

This outlet reports a more optimistic outcome, stating that the Council of the EU will still approve two legislative acts for a €90 billion loan to Ukraine despite Hungary's objections.

Key claims1 agreed · 3 unverified

✓

Hungary and Slovakia blocked the 20th package of sanctions against Russia.

agreed·mkd-mkfazpolitiken

The justification for Hungary's veto on Ukraine aid and sanctions is questionable.

unverified·faz

The Council of the European Union is set to approve two legislative acts for a €90 billion loan to Ukraine on February 24 despite Hungary's objections.

Coverage gaps

Specific comments from Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas regarding the sanctions blockage as a 'step backward'.

Reportedmkd-mk

Missingfazpolitikenukrainska-pravda

The specific amount of a €90 billion loan to Ukraine and the EU Council's plan to approve parts of it despite objections.

Reportedukrainska-pravda

Missingmkd-mkfazpolitiken

Perspective Analysis

Comparing sources…

Story evolution

The initial narrative focused on a complete blockage and the resulting problems, but later reporting introduced a more nuanced perspective by revealing a partial solution for financial aid.

Initial Blockage ReportedFeb 23 afternoon

Reports emerge that Hungary and Slovakia have blocked the 20th package of sanctions against Russia and other aid for Ukraine at an EU ministerial meeting.

Negative Consequences HighlightedFeb 23 late afternoon

Outlets emphasize the negative implications for Ukraine and the EU, with some noting EU leadership might arrive in Kyiv 'with empty hands'.

Partial Solution EmergesFeb 23 early evening

An EU commissioner indicates that a significant €90 billion loan to Ukraine will proceed despite Hungary's objections, suggesting a partial workaround.

How outlets covered this

Left-leaning

No articles

Center

mkd-mk

Каја Калас ја коментираше блокадата на санкциите против Русија: „Ова е чекор наназад“

faz

Ukraine-Hilfe: Warum die EU-Führung mit leeren Händen nach Kiew kommt

politiken

Ungarn og Slovakiet leverer ubehagelig overraskelse til Ukraine før fireårsdagen for Ruslands invasion

ukrainska-pravda

Council of EU will approve two legislative acts for €90bn Ukraine loan despite Hungary's objections – EU commissioner

Right-leaning

No articles

Key entities

HungaryEU member state blocking aid and sanctions SlovakiaEU member state blocking aid and sanctions Ukrainerecipient of aid, target of invasion European Union (EU)international body attempting to pass aid and sanctions Kaja KallasEstonian Prime Minister commenting on the blockage

Coverage Timeline

First report: ukrainska-pravda · 23 Feb, 16:01|Full coverage: All 4 sources within 2h|Window: 2h

Left-leaningCenterRight-leaning

ukrainska-pravda23 Feb, 16:01First to report

Council of EU will approve two legislative acts for €90bn Ukraine loan despite Hungary's objections – EU commissioner

2h later

politiken23 Feb, 17:33

Ungarn og Slovakiet leverer ubehagelig overraskelse til Ukraine før fireårsdagen for Ruslands invasion

faz23 Feb, 17:42

Ukraine-Hilfe: Warum die EU-Führung mit leeren Händen nach Kiew kommt

mkd-mk23 Feb, 17:47Latest update

Каја Калас ја коментираше блокадата на санкциите против Русија: „Ова е чекор наназад“

Read at source (4 outlets)

mkd-mk1h ago

Каја Калас ја коментираше блокадата на санкциите против Русија: „Ова е чекор наназад“

„За жал, не постигнавме договор за 20-тиот пакет санкции. Тоа е чекор назад и порака што не сакавме да ја испратиме денес“, рече Калас по министерскиот состанок. Унгарија и Словачка го блокираат 20-тиот пакет санкции против Русија, како и заемот од 90 милијарди евра за Украина. Овие две земји бараат Украина веднаш да го поправи […] The post Каја Калас ја коментираше блокадата на санкциите против Русија: „Ова е чекор наназад“ appeared first on МКД.МК.

By Petar

Read full article →

faz1h ago

Ukraine-Hilfe: Warum die EU-Führung mit leeren Händen nach Kiew kommt

Ungarn schießt wieder einmal quer. Es geht um neue Russland-Sanktionen und einen Milliardenkredit für Kiew. Die Begründung für das Veto ist fragwürdig.

By Thomas Gutschker, Brüssel

Read full article →

politiken2h ago

Ungarn og Slovakiet leverer ubehagelig overraskelse til Ukraine før fireårsdagen for Ruslands invasion

Ungarn har i fire år været en stadig større modstander af Ukraine. Nu er bremsen hugget helt i med hjælp fra Slovakiet, og det giver EU kæmpe problemer. Og Ukraine.

Read full article →

ukrainska-pravda3h ago

Council of EU will approve two legislative acts for €90bn Ukraine loan despite Hungary's objections – EU commissioner

The Council of the European Union is set to approve two pieces of legislation on 24 February, enabling technical preparations for a €90 billion loan to Ukraine to proceed despite Hungary blocking a third related document.

By Tetyana Vysotska,Anastasia Protz

Read full article →

Hungary and Slovakia create problems for Ukraine ahead of invasion anniversary

Why this matters

Perspective Analysis

Political spectrum

What sources agree on

Where they diverge

Key claims1 agreed · 3 unverified

Coverage gaps

Perspective Analysis

Story evolution

How outlets covered this

Left-leaning

Center

Каја Калас ја коментираше блокадата на санкциите против Русија: „Ова е чекор наназад“

Ukraine-Hilfe: Warum die EU-Führung mit leeren Händen nach Kiew kommt

Ungarn og Slovakiet leverer ubehagelig overraskelse til Ukraine før fireårsdagen for Ruslands invasion

Council of EU will approve two legislative acts for €90bn Ukraine loan despite Hungary's objections – EU commissioner

Right-leaning

Key entities

Coverage Timeline

Council of EU will approve two legislative acts for €90bn Ukraine loan despite Hungary's objections – EU commissioner

Ungarn og Slovakiet leverer ubehagelig overraskelse til Ukraine før fireårsdagen for Ruslands invasion

Ukraine-Hilfe: Warum die EU-Führung mit leeren Händen nach Kiew kommt

Каја Калас ја коментираше блокадата на санкциите против Русија: „Ова е чекор наназад“

Read at source (4 outlets)

Каја Калас ја коментираше блокадата на санкциите против Русија: „Ова е чекор наназад“

Ukraine-Hilfe: Warum die EU-Führung mit leeren Händen nach Kiew kommt

Ungarn og Slovakiet leverer ubehagelig overraskelse til Ukraine før fireårsdagen for Ruslands invasion

Council of EU will approve two legislative acts for €90bn Ukraine loan despite Hungary's objections – EU commissioner

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Why this matters

Story evolution

Key entities

Perspective Analysis

Political spectrum

What sources agree on

Where they diverge

Key claims1 agreed · 3 unverified

Coverage gaps

Coverage matrix