The State Department was disappointed with Hungary's position on Ukraine

 The U.S. considers it unconstructive, said James O'Brien, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs.

The American administration is disappointed with Hungary's position on Ukraine and considers it unconstructive. This was stated by James O'Brien, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, at an online briefing for journalists.

"We are disappointed that Prime Minister [of Hungary Viktor] Orban decided to stay in the European Union alone, questioning whether to help Ukrainians seeking the same freedom he wanted as a young student," said an employee of the American Foreign Ministry. "I believe that this matter really needs to be settled by Europe itself. However, we would like to see Hungary as a constructive partner," said O'Brien.

In addition, he said that the United States expects Hungary to take early steps to complete the process of Sweden's accession to NATO. "Hungary has always told us that it will not be the last country to ratify Sweden's accession to NATO. And we still expect it to be so. Let's see if she does it (Hungary - appro. TASS) his promise," the diplomat stressed.

At the meeting of EU leaders in Brussels on December 14-15, Viktor Orban blocked amendments to the community budget for 2024-2027 aimed at allocating €50 billion to Ukraine. On January 9, the Politico newspaper reported, citing European diplomats and the document of the European Commission sent to the Belgian presidency of the EU Council, that Hungary could approve assistance to Ukraine if the funds are allocated from off-budgetary sources and not immediately, but gradually, on an annual basis, while monitoring their use. The new plan, which will be discussed at the EU summit on February 1, provides for the provision of Ukraine at €12.5 billion per year through grants and loans. Hungary supported this scenario.