Kuleba praises Scholz’s ‘trick’ with Orban during EU summit vote on Ukraine

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba praised German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for his "trick" during the historic EU summit that approved the start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU.

"What German Chancellor Olaf Scholz did at the summit to remove the threat of a Hungarian veto will go down in history as an example of German leadership in favor of Europe,” Kuleba said.

“This week, the Chancellor has earned a lot of sincere and well-deserved admiration in the hearts of Ukrainians.”

Read also: Scholz assures Ukraine of Germany's support if other countries weaken

Berlin has been criticized for its reluctance to supply weapons quickly at the start of Russia's full-scale aggression, and later for its lengthy deliberations over sending heavy weapons. But amid fears that the United States is distancing itself, Germany is taking the initiative.

"When I called in Berlin last May for Ukraine to be granted EU candidate status, my calls for Germany to take the initiative on this issue were largely ignored. ‘Germany does not want to take the lead,’ experts and politicians in Berlin told me."

"I am glad that Germany's political decisions have changed since then," Kuleba said, expressing gratitude for Berlin's support and hoping that this signals a broader shift in Berlin's leadership in solving complex problems.

Read also: Second German Patriot SAM to arrive in Ukraine this year, says Scholz

"We have many reasons to be grateful to Germany, from military assistance to financial support. But political clarity on Ukraine's EU membership is perhaps the best Christmas present from Berlin. There can be no more gray areas in Europe. Either the whole map of Europe will be painted in EU colors, guaranteeing security and prosperity for all Europeans, or Putin will paint it in blood, bringing more suffering, instability and destruction. I am glad we are all safer and more confident this week."

The European Council has voted to open negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU, while also granting Georgia EU candidate status, European Council President Charles Michel announced via Twitter on Dec. 14. This was despite fears that Hungary would block the issue.

Several media sources also reported that Hungarian PM Viktor Orban abstained during the decision-making process, reportedly leaving the room when opening membership talks with Ukraine was discussed. Ahead of the summit, several leaders met with Orban.

Hungary vetoed the allocation of 50 billion euros ($54.5 billion) to Ukraine. The issue will be considered again in January 2024.

It’s not feasible trying to get Viktor Orban to take a “coffee break” every time the EU faces a Hungarian veto on some critical decision, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Dec. 15, commenting his break suggestion to Hungarian PM to allow the other 26 EU members to reach an agreement on opening accession negotiations with Ukraine.

We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine