EU's Inconsistent Aid and Orbán Problem Frustrate Ukraine's Membership Talks

The European Union's promise of 50 billion euros in aid to Ukraine over the next four years has been delayed, frustrating Ukraine's government, which is struggling to make ends meet and bolster its defenses against Russia. While EU leaders celebrated granting Ukraine the nod to start membership talks, the process could take over a decade and face obstacles from individual member states. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, opposes war funding for Ukraine and calls for a ceasefire and peace talks instead. Despite the delay in aid, EU leaders assure that Ukraine will not be left without support, and a new summit is scheduled for late January or early February.