"Hungary's Viktor Orban has agreed not to block a massive EU-backed interest-free loan to Ukraine to meet its military and economic needs for the next two years, as long as his country, Slovakia and the Czech Republic were excluded from the guarantees for the debt. After failing to agree on using frozen Russian assets, diplomats announced the new loan in the early hours of Friday."
"The deal will not affect the financial obligations of Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, which did not want to contribute to the financing of Ukraine, the text said. Moscow-friendly Hungary had previously said it would oppose the deal, just as it opposed the use of Russian assets. German chancellor Friedrich Merz said Ukraine would have to repay the loan only if Russia paid reparations for its war, and that the EU reserved the right to use Russian assets immobilised in the EU for repayment"
Viktor Orban agreed not to block an EU-backed interest-free loan to Ukraine provided Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic are excluded from the loan guarantees. Diplomats announced the loan after leaders failed to reach agreement on using frozen Russian assets. The deal leaves the three countries' financial obligations unchanged and reflects Hungary's prior opposition to using Russian assets. German chancellor Friedrich Merz said Ukraine would repay only if Russia paid reparations and that the EU may reserve the right to use immobilised Russian assets for repayment if Russia does not compensate. Belgium's large holdings of Russian assets complicated legal and financial guarantees. Donald Trump urged Ukraine to seek a quick settlement ahead of upcoming talks in Miami.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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