EU's €40 Billion Ukraine Aid Plan Faces Opposition

The UK has firmly rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's demand to halt military aid to Ukraine, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office reiterating continued military support for Kyiv. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni opposed a Franco-British proposal to deploy peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, describing it as risky and ineffective, while Italy supports US-led peace efforts. Meanwhile, Hungary continues to block EU discussions on Ukraine's EU accession talks and additional aid packages, with Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto advocating for peace negotiations over military support. Despite these tensions, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas's proposal to double EU military aid for Ukraine to €40 billion received broad support, though Italy and Spain remain hesitant. Hungary's opposition to further EU military aid is linked to its close ties with Russia and support for Donald Trump's peace initiatives. EU's internal divisions highlight differing stances among member countries regarding military support and peace strategies for Ukraine.