Hungary's Standoff with Ukraine Threatens EU Membership Talks

Pressure is mounting on Hungary not to veto the opening of EU membership talks and economic aid for Ukraine at an upcoming EU summit. Prime Minister Viktor Orban has demanded that the issue be removed from the agenda, citing the need for a "strategic discussion" due to the stalemate in the Ukraine-Russia conflict and uncertainty about US leadership. EU leaders are expected to decide on opening accession negotiations with Ukraine, but Orban's stance has raised concerns about EU unity. Hungary's close ties with Russia and Orban's opposition to EU sanctions against Moscow have further complicated the situation.