Slovakia, Hungary and Czech Republic reject Ukraine's latest aid request
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said his country will not back the financial package sought by President Volodymyr Zelensky at the EU summit, with Hungary's Peter Magyar supporting the stance and Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis also refusing support.
During the EU summit in Brussels, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico declared that Slovakia will not support the financial assistance package requested by President Volodymyr Zelensky. He added that Hungary's premier, Peter Magyar, stands with Slovakia on this issue, while Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis also indicated his country's refusal to contribute. Zelensky had asked European leaders for extra funding and for 300 Patriot missiles, proposing to use frozen Russian assets to finance the aid.
This appeal arrives six months after the European bloc granted Ukraine a substantial loan. Ukraine is currently facing a shortage of interceptor missiles as Russian attacks intensify, prompting non-EU states such as Norway to offer defensive support.
Why it matters
The refusal of three EU members to fund Ukraine's aid request could weaken the bloc's collective support for Kyiv.
How this story developed
- Oct 3 India and Russia agree to bring 70,000 Indian workers amid expanded trade talks
- Oct 9 India shifted from a labor‑exchange agreement with Russia to actively mediating a cease‑fire between Russia and Ukraine.
- Oct 11 Sources say five European intelligence services have warned defence executives that Russia is increasing sabotage and possible killings across the continent. The threat extends to senior staff at smaller firms, such as drone manufacturers, and even to high-profile executives like Armin Papperger of Rheinmetall, who now receives permanent protection. Russian military intelligence GROe is reportedly shifting tactics, working more closely with organised crime groups, and using intimidation to deter business with Ukraine. Companies are already bearing the cost of heightened security measures, a burden felt most acutely by startups.
- Oct 12 German security officials have recommended that defence companies hire private guards for vulnerable staff.
- Oct 14 Prime Minister Burnham said he will meet President Zelensky to restore support following President Trump's easing of Russian diesel sanctions, pledging faster weapons deliveries and new sanctions.
- Oct 14 Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced he will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a one-on-one discussion during his trip to Brussels.
- Oct 14 NATO chief Mark Rutte urged member states to increase military assistance for Ukraine, stressing the need for more air-defence systems as Russia intensifies attacks on Kyiv.
- Oct 14 Burnham announced accelerated delivery of lightweight missiles and signaled new sanctions against Russia.
- Oct 14 The United States proposed that European nations unlock a portion of Russia's frozen assets to jump-start negotiations over Ukraine, but European delegates rejected the idea.
- Oct 16 Mark Rutte’s appeal in Tallinn was followed by Wes Streeting’s call for continued US support to Ukraine.
- Oct 16 Ukraine’s parliament passed a law guaranteeing mother‑tongue education for minorities.
- Oct 17 Zelensky asked EU leaders for additional financial assistance at the Brussels summit.
- Oct 17 The council adopted conclusions to keep budget negotiations ongoing after the summit.
- Oct 17 European delegates rebuffed the US call to release frozen assets.
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