EU Summit Showdown: Hungary's Veto Threatens Ukraine's Aid

European Union leaders are gathering for a crucial summit where support for Ukraine is the main focus, but internal divisions threaten any significant action. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been seeking aid in his fight against Russia's invasion, warning that cutting support to Ukraine would benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin. The European Commission proposed sending 50 billion euros to Ukraine between 2024 and 2027, but opposition from Hungary is blocking the disbursement. EU leaders will also discuss whether to start official negotiations with Ukraine for potential future accession to the bloc, but Hungary and other member states have expressed reservations. Western support for Ukraine has been declining, with a nearly 90% drop in newly committed aid between August and October 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. Russia retains a military advantage, and recent surveys show declining but still significant support among the Russian population for Putin's actions in Ukraine.