As the war in Ukraine grinds into its second year, the European Union has remained a crucial pillar of support for Kyiv, providing billions in financial and military aid. Yet, the path to unanimous decisions within the bloc has been repeatedly obstructed by two countries: Slovakia and Hungary. Their vetoes have drawn sharp criticism, not only for hindering EU solidarity but also for appearing to align with Russian geopolitical interests. This article examines how these vetoes serve as a tool, ostensibly wielded at the behest of Moscow.
Hungary, under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has established a pattern of vetoing EU decisions on aid to Ukraine. In December 2022, Hungary blocked an €18 billion aid package, citing concerns over financial burdens. This was followed in December 2023 by a veto of a €50 billion aid package, coinciding with the EU’s decision to open membership talks with Ukraine. Orbán’s government has also resisted sanctions against Russia, arguing they harm Hungarian interests more than Moscow’s. Orbán’s rhetoric often echoes Kremlin talking points, including his critique of the West’s “interference” in Eastern Europe and calls for immediate peace talks—a position aligned with Russia’s strategy to freeze the conflict on favorable terms. Hungary’s dependence on Russian energy adds weight to suspicions of Moscow’s influence, with the country importing nearly 85% of its gas from Russia.
While Slovakia’s use of veto power has been less frequent, its recent policy shift under Prime Minister Robert Fico signals growing alignment with Hungary and, by extension, Russia. Fico’s administration has openly opposed military aid to Ukraine and criticized EU sanctions on Russia. His claims of opposition-planned “Maidan-style” coups—a reference to Ukraine’s 2014 revolution—further mirror Kremlin narratives portraying democratic uprisings as Western-orchestrated plots.
Slovakia’s veto threats and anti-Ukraine stance come amid domestic political dynamics that exploit public discontent over inflation and energy costs. Fico’s coalition, which includes nationalist and populist factions, leverages these issues to justify positions that curtail EU aid to Ukraine, much to Moscow’s benefit.
Russia’s interest in undermining EU unity is no secret. By creating fissures within the bloc, Moscow aims to erode European resolve and limit its support for Ukraine. Hungary and Slovakia’s actions provide tangible benefits to this strategy. Each veto delays critical financial support, strains EU consensus, and shifts the narrative towards appeasement. Moreover, both countries’ leaderships have cultivated strong ties with Moscow. Orbán has openly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, while Slovakia’s intelligence services have faced allegations of pro-Russian infiltration. These connections raise questions about whether veto decisions are purely domestic or influenced by external actors.
Public sentiment in Slovakia and Hungary is not monolithic. Tens of thousands in Slovakia have protested against their government’s stance, calling for continued support for Ukraine and adherence to democratic values. Similarly, opposition figures in Hungary accuse Orbán of isolating the country from the EU and aligning with authoritarian regimes.
The EU has limited mechanisms to counter unilateral vetoes, but the growing frequency of such actions has spurred calls for reform. Proposals include transitioning to qualified majority voting for foreign policy decisions, which would dilute the ability of individual states to block consensus.
The use of vetoes by Hungary and Slovakia underlines a dangerous trend: the manipulation of EU mechanisms in ways that benefit Russia. These actions not only undermine Ukraine’s fight for survival but also threaten the cohesion of the European Union itself. As the bloc grapples with internal dissent and external pressures, it faces a critical question: how to uphold unity and resist attempts to exploit its democratic processes. For now, the actions of Hungary and Slovakia remain a stark reminder of the Kremlin’s reach within Europe.
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