Italy’s PM criticizes Orbán's position on Ukraine loan
Photo: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (Getty Images)
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has rejected media reports claiming she supported the position of pro-Russian Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on blocking a loan for Ukraine, Adnkronos reports.
Meloni stressed that a solution to the situation is possible through mutual concessions by both sides. According to her, a significant part of the European Council meeting was devoted to unblocking the €90 billion loan for Ukraine blocked by Hungary.
At the same time, Meloni described as strange interpretations of her remarks that appeared in the media, suggesting she supports Orbán’s stance on Ukraine. She said that this is far from reality.
"I believe the situation can be resolved. I believe that resolving it requires flexibility from both sides. So, on the one hand, in my view, it is necessary to restore the operation of the Druzhba pipeline, and on the other, the €90 billion will be automatically unblocked," Meloni said.
Earlier, media reports claimed that during a closed session of the European Council summit, Meloni shocked EU leaders by expressing understanding of Orbán’s position on blocking aid to Ukraine. She was said to have justified Orbán’s actions by noting that he is approaching elections.
"If I were in the same situation, I would understand it," she said.
Orbán blocks Ukraine loan: what we know
Meanwhile, Hungary continues to block the EU’s loan to Ukraine. Recently, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said he would not lift his veto until Ukraine restores the transit of Russian oil.
EU members are strongly outraged by Orbán’s behavior. For example, Sweden has openly said it is ready to consider invoking Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union — a mechanism that could strip Hungary of its voting rights. European Council President António Costa described the Hungarian Prime Minister’s actions as unacceptable. However, despite the criticism, some have spoken out in Orbán’s defense.
After the summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would provide Ukraine with the €90 billion loan "one way or the other," despite Hungary’s blockade. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed hope that this would happen.
