President Volodymyr Zelensky returned to Ukraine still hoping for major aid packages from the United States and European Union to sustain the war effort after EU leaders in Brussels were unable to pass a 50-billion euro aid package over Hungarian objections. There was some positive news with the European Union agreeing to open negotiations for Ukraine to join the bloc, offering a morale boost to Ukrainian citizens. Despite the delay in approving more aid, Zelensky highlighted the EU decision on joining the bloc and new aid pledged from individual countries.
Ukraine relies heavily on foreign aid, with about half of its federal budget and most of its army’s ammunition and weaponry coming from outside sources. This past week, Russia fired multiple volleys of exploding drones, cruise and ballistic missiles, and falling debris from missiles intercepted by Ukraine’s air defenses injured dozens of people in Kyiv.
The E.U.’s inability to approve more aid comes after American lawmakers failed to commit to more assistance for Ukraine, and Ukraine faces urgent challenges as the country fights off a Russian invasion. The inability to secure further aid may embolden Russia and raise the risk of costly setbacks for Ukraine.
After unsuccessful meetings in Washington, President Zelensky received pledges of about $1 billion in military aid from Denmark and new assistance from Norway and said Finland, Sweden and Spain were preparing new aid. German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, pledged to double assistance to nearly $9 billion next year.
In the absence of substantive new commitments, Mr. Zelensky has highlighted the aid pledged from individual countries in Europe and remains hopeful that the U.S. Congress will make a necessary decision on a $64 billion military and financial assistance package. He has emphasized the importance of air defense capabilities in thwarting Russian missile and drone attacks on cities and military from plunging cities into blackouts. While the European bloc considers the €54.5 billion aid package, Zelensky hopes Western allies will continue to support Ukraine through its efforts.
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