European Union leaders are set to convene in Brussels to deliberate on the provision of over $50 billion in aid to Ukraine by 2027. Although there are signs of Hungary’s readiness to find a middle ground, a senior EU official has acknowledged that the negotiations remain challenging. The objective of the aid package is to assist Ukraine in its ongoing resistance against Russia’s nearly two-year-old incursion.
Despite Hungary’s close ties with Russia, it had previously obstructed the aid package, citing objections to the escalation of military funding. There is increasing pressure on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to reach a consensus, but the terms proposed by Budapest to lift the veto are reportedly unacceptable to other EU member states.
ASEAN Fails to Condemn Russia: EU Disappointment
European Union foreign ministers are scheduled to convene with their counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Nevertheless, the EU has been unsuccessful in convincing ASEAN nations to openly denounce Russia’s incursion into Ukraine. A preliminary statement suggests that while the majority of members strongly disapprove of the conflict, it does not explicitly mention Moscow. Divergent evaluations of the situation and sanctions present obstacles to achieving a united position.
CIA Director Warns of Challenges for Ukraine in 2024
In Washington DC, CIA Director Bill Burns cautions that Ukraine will encounter a difficult year in 2024, and discontinuing US assistance to Kiev would be a significant mistake. Burns proposes that forsaking Ukraine at this juncture could embolden China, potentially resulting in a more assertive posture towards Taiwan. The director underscores the strategic significance of ongoing Western backing for Ukraine.
Tensions in Ukrainian Military as Zelensky Seeks Change
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has requested his senior military commander, Valerie Zelensky, to resign. However, the general has declined, leading to speculation about a possible termination. Tensions between the two have heightened following Ukraine’s unsuccessful counter-offensive. Despite rumors of the chief commander’s removal, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry refutes these allegations. The situation underscores internal difficulties within the Ukrainian military.
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