European heads of state are bracing themselves for a challenging two-day gathering to address the urgent matter of supporting Ukraine. However, internal divisions within the European Union (EU) are posing significant obstacles to any substantial actions in favor of Kyiv. At this critical juncture, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been tirelessly seeking aid in the fight against Russia’s invasion. His recent diplomatic efforts have taken him around the globe, from Argentina to the United States, and most recently, Norway. Throughout these trips, Zelenskyy has consistently emphasized the consequences of cutting support to Ukraine, describing it as a gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ahead of the summit, European Council President Charles Michel emphasized the responsibility of EU member states to safeguard their collective interests by supporting Ukraine. The proposed aid package, amounting to 50 billion euros ($54.43 billion), is currently in limbo due to the opposition from Hungary, whose prime minister has held a personal meeting with Putin in October. This obstruction has prevented the disbursement of the funds. Additionally, discussions on whether to initiate official negotiations with Ukraine regarding its potential future accession to the EU will take place during the summit. Once again, Hungary and some other member states, including Italy, have voiced reservations, causing further internal dissension.
Speaking to CNBC, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister, Olga Stefanishyna, stressed the significance of commencing official negotiations, as it would provide a crucial guarantee for Ukraine’s long-term stability. The nation’s sustainability heavily relies on such diplomatic signals of support. The diminishing support for Kyiv since Russia’s full-scale invasion nearly two years ago is apparent, with a staggering 90% decline in newly committed aid between August and October, compared to the same period in 2022, as reported by the Kiel Institute. Currently, a core group of donors, including the U.S., Germany, and Nordic and Eastern European countries, remains committed to providing financial aid and essential weaponry.
Numerous factors have contributed to the waning support for Ukraine on the international stage. The recent conflict between Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel has diverted global attention away from the ongoing crisis in Kyiv, minimizing the urgency and focus on the matter. Furthermore, inflationary pressures have limited the capacity of Western governments to extend further aid. Despite these challenges, Russia maintains a significant military advantage, reflected in its superior military equipment, munitions, and manpower. Andrius Tursa, Central and Eastern Europe Advisor at consultancy firm Teneo, suggests that Russia’s military output continues to grow rapidly, buoyed by supplies from countries like North Korea and Iran. Additionally, Russia’s military recruitment efforts offset significant manpower losses without triggering apparent public discontent.
Although President Putin’s actions in Ukraine have garnered initial support from the majority of the Russian population, recent surveys indicate a decline in approval. According to a poll conducted by the Levada Center, 74% of respondents expressed full or partial support for the war in Ukraine. However, this figure represents a gradual decrease in support over time. As the conflict persists, the Russian public’s sentiment may continue to shift. Nevertheless, the declining support does not negate the significant challenges Ukraine faces and the urgent need for European unity in its support.
European leaders’ ability to unite in support of Ukraine is currently under scrutiny due to internal divisions within the EU. As President Zelenskyy seeks further aid internationally, Hungary’s opposition and reservations from other member states hinder progress toward assisting Ukraine. Despite the diminishing support and Russia’s military advantage, it is crucial that the EU remains committed to Ukraine’s stability and continues to uphold its duty to protect its collective interests. The fate of Ukraine and European solidarity hang in the balance as these critical discussions unfold.
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