The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is entering its fifth year today, as European Union leaders assemble in Kyiv to show solidarity with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a significant gesture of backing.
For the EU, the group’s visit to the Ukrainian capital holds particular significance because Hungary introduced a significant obstacle to the bloc’s backing for the war-affected nation by blocking a 20th set of sanctions against Russia and a €90 billion loan for Ukraine due to an unrelated energy issue.
In a live speech addressed to a special session of the European Parliament, Zelenskyy emphasized that the loan “needs to be carried out” and stated that Ukraine requires a “specific timeline” for EU membership in order to prevent Russia from “fragmenting Europe” for many years ahead.
Nevertheless, Ursula von der Leyen, head of the European Commission, is scheduled to offer Zelenskyy a “significant energy package,” featuring €100 million in energy assistance and a “detailed winter readiness strategy” for the upcoming year, according to a European official.
In the meantime, French President Emmanuel Macron has informed members of the Coalition of the Willing to “remove reservations” regarding their backing for upcoming security assurances for Ukraine.
Follow our live blog below for the most recent updates as Ukraine reaches this somber milestone.






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