HUNGARY: Foreign Min In Belarus As Relations w/EU Strain On Ukraine Aid

Speaking in the Belarusian capital, Minsk, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has said that Hungary "abhors the idea of NATO and EU countries sending soldiers to Ukraine". The issue of NATO/EU troops in Ukraine has risen up the agenda following Ukraine's approval of French military instructors set to arrive in the country shortly. The visit comes as the relationship between Budapest and Brussels regarding both the EU and NATO's role in supporting Ukraine remains close to breaking point. 

• Sjiartto confirmed that at the Foreign Affairs Council on 27 May there was a "huge row" between himself and his counterparts from Germany, Ireland, Lithuania and Poland over the issue of Hungary's effective veto on the latest Ukraine aid package. 
• Budapest's block on an EUR500mn tranche for the European Peace Facility in 2023 has caused knock-on consequences. Euronews reports the issue, "was exacerbated after member states reached in March a [...] deal to top up the EPF with an additional €5 billion, [...] Hungary's veto on the €500-million envelope has affected two others of the same size [...]. The impasse also means the next €5 billion cannot move forward..."
• The state media of Belarus  - one of Moscow's closest allies - has confirmed the two sides signed 'a roadmap for cooperation' in the nuclear industry, a development that could cause further strain with the EU as member states seek to decouple energy from Russian reliance or relation.