As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the European Union summit via videoconference, little did he know that his plea for attention and support would be overshadowed by the Israel-Hamas conflict. The war in Ukraine, which has dominated previous summits, now finds itself relegated to the sidelines. With the new U.S. House Speaker’s lack of interest in allocating additional funds to Ukraine, Zelenskyy’s struggle to garner attention and secure political, economic, and military aid has just become tougher.
The political landscape in Europe, in particular, has become less favorable for Zelenskyy. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico boldly declared Ukraine as “one of the most corrupt countries in the world” and expressed skepticism towards military intervention in the conflict. Fico’s stance is significant since the EU grants veto power to its members on matters concerning financial assistance to Ukraine. Similarly, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, known for leveraging the threat of veto power, poured cold water on Zelenskyy’s hopes for additional aid, stating that the EU’s strategy for assisting Ukraine had “failed.”
Meanwhile, Russia continues to pour funds into its war efforts. Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov has announced a significant increase in defense spending, allocating nearly a third of the government’s budget for defense purposes. Despite receiving substantial financial support from Europe and the United States, Ukraine’s offensive operations have failed to achieve their objectives, and the approaching winter is likely to slow down further progress.
With funding for Ukraine in jeopardy in the U.S. Congress, Zelenskyy is heavily reliant on Europe’s support. EU leaders are set to approve a four-year, 50-billion-euro package to provide budget support, promote investment, and aid in reconstruction. Moreover, a 20-billion-euro military and security package is also in the works. However, Orbán’s refusal to approve financing that aims to secure a military victory creates obstacles for Zelenskyy’s plans. Orbán insists on a clear strategy before allocating funds, frustrating other EU nations that consider Ukraine a stronghold of democracy.
Despite the challenges, some EU nations remain committed to supporting Ukraine. Germany, for instance, recently provided Ukraine with an advanced air defense system, emphasizing its unwavering support. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius affirmed that the war in Ukraine must not be forgotten, even with escalating security concerns globally. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas echoed the sentiment, acknowledging that failing to assist Ukraine implies a victory for Russia and raises concerns about neighboring countries’ safety.
The Need for an Alternative Strategy
While Orbán and Fico express doubts about the existing strategy, their critics demand viable alternatives. Estonian Prime Minister Kallas raises the crucial question of what happens if Ukraine is not supported – Russia emerges victorious and poses a threat to other nations. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar highlights the importance of stopping Putin in Ukraine to prevent further aggression.
As the Ukraine crisis unfolds, it is clear that President Zelenskyy faces an uphill battle in securing the attention, support, and aid his country desperately needs. The shifting geopolitical landscape and skepticism among some EU leaders pose significant challenges. However, the unwavering commitment of certain nations and the recognition of Ukraine as a bulwark of democracy offer a glimmer of hope. The battle for Ukraine is far from over, and the decisions made by global powers will undoubtedly shape the future of the country and its people.