**Slovak Prime Minister Criticizes EU’s Support for Ukraine**
The prime minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, has criticized the European Union’s new leadership over their support for Ukraine. In a press conference on December 2, Fico said he had called European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen to express his disagreement.
Fico has been critical of the EU’s support for Ukraine and has said he wants to normalize relations with Russia after the war. The EU’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, and new president of the European Council, Antonio Costa, visited Kyiv on December 1 and reiterated the EU’s support for Ukraine. This upset Fico.
Fico was quoted as saying that the EU leaders had made statements that did not match the conclusions of the EU. He also criticized their decision to provide economic, humanitarian, and military assistance to Ukraine, including a significant financial package.
**EU to Provide Billions in Aid to Ukraine**
The EU has announced that it will provide 4.2 billion euros ($4.4 billion) to support the Ukrainian budget by the end of the year. In 2025, the EU will also transfer 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion) to Ukraine monthly.
**Russian Forces Continue Attacks on Ukraine**
Russian forces launched a massive drone attack on Ternopil on December 3, damaging energy infrastructure in the city. Ukrainian officials reported that over 1,780 Russian casualties were suffered just over the past day.
**NATO Countries Likely to Sidestep Ukraine’s Membership Request**
NATO countries are likely to sidestep Ukraine’s call for membership during the upcoming NATO Foreign Ministerial Meeting on December 3-4, according to Reuters. This is despite Ukraine’s continued calls for membership and support from Western allies.
**Russia Holds Seminar on “Image of Victory” in War Against Ukraine**
The Russian presidential administration recently held a seminar for vice-governors to discuss an “image of victory” in the war against Ukraine. This has sparked concerns about Russia’s intentions and plans for the war.
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