The European Union leaders agreed to initiate membership talks with Ukraine, even amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, during a summit in Brussels. 

The historic decision was made by sidelining objections from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who left the room during the pivotal vote.

However, the leaders faced a stumbling block regarding a proposed 50 billion euro financial aid package for Kyiv, encountering opposition from Orban, who has close ties with Russia. 

Despite intense negotiations and a compromise budget proposal presented by summit chairman Charles Michel, unanimity among the 27 EU leaders proved elusive.

The discussions on the financial package, crucial for supporting Ukraine and addressing other EU priorities, were suspended in the early hours of Friday morning. 

The requirement for unanimity necessitated overcoming Orban’s resistance, leading to a decision to resume talks in January. Some leaders expressed optimism about reaching a deal at that time.

While acknowledging the urgency of financial support, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte expressed confidence in securing an agreement early next year. 

“We still have some time, Ukraine is not out of money in the next few weeks,” Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told reporters on leaving the talks. “I am fairly confident we can get a deal early next year, we are thinking of late January,” said Rutte.