Viktor Orbán’s government blocks fresh economic measures against Russia on eve of war’s fourth anniversary

Europe live – latest updates

European leaders have accused Hungary of sabotaging support for Ukraine on the eve of the fourth anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion, after a defiant Budapest blocked fresh economic measures against Moscow.

Germany, France and other EU states failed to persuade Viktor Orbán’s government on Monday to approve the latest EU sanctions package and a loan meant to help Kyiv meet its military and financial needs. Poland’s prime minister, Donald Tusk, described Hungary’s actions as “political sabotage”.

The row threatens to overshadow a carefully choreographed display of solidarity between Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and his key European partners. Several EU leaders are expected to visit Kyiv on Tuesday, including the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen.