EU Leaders Struggle to Secure Ukraine Aid Amid Hungary's Resistance

Concerns over Ukraine's financial stability grow as France faces criticism for lack of military aid.

EU leaders are meeting in Brussels to persuade Hungary's Viktor Orbán to approve a €50bn assistance package for Ukraine. Hungary has blocked the funds since December, arguing for a yearly review of the budget.
The EU fund, combined with support from the International Monetary Fund and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, has been crucial for Ukraine's economy, paying salaries and reconstructing buildings.
There are concerns that Ukraine could run out of money in the spring to pay civil servants, teachers, doctors and to keep pension funds topped up. There are also fears that Russia could win the war against Ukraine.
France has been criticized for not providing enough military aid to Ukraine. According to the German Kiel Institute, France ranks 15th in terms of bilateral military support to Ukraine, far behind Germany, the UK, and Poland.
The EU is also discussing an EU naval mission to the Red Sea to protect commercial shipping from attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen, and addressing protests by farmers across Europe who complain that cheap imports are destroying their incomes.