At an emergency summit today in Brussels, European Union leaders agreed to create a $54 billion fund to support Ukraine in its protracted war against Russia. The assistance, which will be spread out over four years, will prop up the nonmilitary portion of Ukraine’s budget and will be a lifeline to a country at risk of financial meltdown.

The approval of European aid came to many as a surprise. Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary, the bloc’s closest ally of Vladimir Putin, had blocked the funding for weeks. Only after a behind-the-scenes game of good cop, bad cop by top E.U. officials and heads of state did Orban agree to withdraw his opposition. It is not clear what, if anything, he got in exchange.

Before the announcement, Ukraine was considering major spending cuts that could have stirred instability or driven more Ukrainians into Europe as refugees. The money will cover pensions, payments to people displaced by war and salaries for teachers and doctors.

Ukrainian officials were quick to thank the E.U., while also alluding to the uncertainty over U.S. support. A $60 billion package, which includes military assistance and other aid that Ukrainians say is badly needed, is currently languishing in Congress as Republicans have signaled diminishing interest in advancing the funding for Ukraine.

In Washington, Senator Chuck Schumer, the majority leader, said he would set up a vote next week on a border deal that would include aid for Ukraine.