EU to launch membership talks with Ukraine in surprise win for Zelensky

“This is a victory for Ukraine. A victory for all of Europe. A victory that motivates, inspires, and strengthens,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Orban said on Facebook that he had abstained and did not want to take part in what he called a bad decision.

Earlier in the day as the 27 EU leaders gathered for their last summit of the year, Orban insisted that the EU should not start membership talks with Ukraine.

Officials had warned they were bracing for a long, and tough summit.

Michel did not spell out how the decision, which required unanimity, was taken.

Biden says Putin ‘banking’ on US failure as Zelensky seeks aid

Ukraine badly needs support from its Western allies in its nearly two-year fight against Moscow’s invasion. Its counteroffensive has failed to make major gains and the Biden administration has so far been unable to get a US$60 billion aid package for Kyiv through the US Congress.

Orban was a lone holdout at the summit, taking place at a critical time for Kyiv in its war against Russia’s invasion.

Other EU leaders had warned earlier in the day that not agreeing to start negotiations would have been seen as a victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin.