EU and Ukraine Set to Define Path for Accession Talks Amidst Hungarian Obstruction

Ukraine and the European Commission will soon assess Ukraine's progress in aligning its legislation with EU standards, creating a framework for EU accession talks expected next year. Last month, Ukraine fulfilled four of seven recommendations for EU accession negotiations. EU leaders agreed to open membership talks with Ukraine, with Hungary abstaining from voting. Russia deployed missiles and attack drones during airstrikes in Ukraine, with Ukrainian air defense systems destroying the drones. Russia has lost nearly 350,000 troops and significant military equipment in Ukraine since its invasion two years ago. Russia has no interest in extending a Black Sea grain deal brokered with Ukraine.