Europe's Inconsistent Support for Ukraine: Macron Urges Orbán to Release EU Aid

French President Emmanuel Macron has criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for blocking a €50bn EU aid package for Ukraine, stating that Orbán must not hold the EU "hostage." EU leaders are now working on alternative ways to raise the funds, with Macron expressing confidence that the money can be secured without Orbán's support. The failure to provide additional aid to Ukraine dealt a blow to Kyiv, despite the EU agreeing to open membership talks. EU leaders plan to reconvene in January or February to seek approval for the funding package from all member states.