Ukraine's European supporters are failing to deliver
Ukraine's European allies must step up their support to address the ongoing Russian invasion, a pressing crisis overshadowed by recent events in Israel and Hamas
Prior to the Israel-Hamas conflict dominating global focus, diplomats were heavily focused on resolving the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This week in Brussels was intended as a significant step in Ukraine's integration into Europe, with EU member states gathering for their last council summit of the year to approve increased funding for Kyiv and begin negotiations for Ukrainian membership in the bloc.
Hungary has disrupted the consensus of the European Union, particularly with its leader, PM Viktor Orban, known for his populist views. Prior to the conflict in Ukraine, Hungary had a history of holding the EU hostage. With each of the 27 member states having veto power, Hungary has had the ability to impede major decisions made by Brussels, such as providing financial aid to a country impacted by war or admitting a new member into the EU.
The veto should ideally only be employed if a member state genuinely opposes a key EU policy. However, it has increasingly been used as a way for political leaders to gain leverage in other areas. For Orban, it is typically used to ensure the release of EU funds being withheld from Hungary due to violations such as undermining the rule of law and disregarding the fundamental rights of LGBT+ citizens. This week, EU diplomats and officials are working to negotiate the release of billions of euros that have been frozen due to corruption and rule of law issues.
It is probable that this issue will be resolved to a certain extent, and the EU is expected to conclude the week with a press conference to commemorate its ongoing support for Ukraine and its progression towards joining the bloc.
On December 12, 2023, US President Joe Biden and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky held a joint press conference at the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, DC. The event was captured by photographer Mandel Ngan and the images were distributed by AFP/Getty Images.
Ukraine is gearing up for a challenging winter after Zelensky's failure to persuade Republicans to expedite new aid. However, for certain Ukrainian and Western officials collaborating with Kyiv, this incident only confirms their worst fear: Ukraine fatigue is setting in.
A senior adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed CNN that Ukraine views joining the EU as being directly linked to NATO membership, and any hesitancy from European allies sends negative signals that could embolden Russia. Meanwhile, a senior NATO official working closely with Ukraine told CNN that this reflects a larger trend of the West losing focus on Ukraine, leading to potentially detrimental outcomes.
To further support this, one need only observe the current debates in Washington regarding funding for Ukraine. It is easy to envision how these discussions will progress in the upcoming presidential election year. In the realm of political gains, what harms Ukraine benefits Russia, and Russian officials are keenly aware of this.
By the week's end, the EU is expected to issue favorable statements about Ukraine. Financial assistance will be provided, and discussions about potential membership will persist. Additionally, the EU will likely refute any claims of Ukraine fatigue by detailing the substantial monetary and aid support they have extended to Kyiv.
It's difficult to ignore the sense that Ukraine's Western allies, including those in Europe, are no longer prioritizing their support for the country. If even European nations are losing interest in a potential conflict on their own continent, what message does that send to the rest of the world?
