On the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine, European leaders, including Finnish President Alexander Stubb, visited Kyiv to express solidarity with the Ukrainian people. During this visit, Stubb pointed out his agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron's belief that peace in Ukraine is not on the horizon, highlighting the grim reality that Moscow shows no intention of pursuing a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. Rather, Russia appears to be banking on a war of attrition that will lead the West to grow weary of supporting Ukraine.

The visit also served to underscore the current dilemma facing the European Union. While the intent was to showcase strong support for Ukraine, the presentation was more about warm gestures as Hungary threatens to block a crucial €90 billion EU loan and new sanctions against Russia due to a dispute over oil with Ukraine. This complicates the EU's unified stance and creates an environment of uncertainty regarding the financial support meant for Ukraine at a critical time.

In light of these developments, the ongoing tensions within the EU regarding Hungary's opposition to sanctions and financial assistance present a significant concern. The political consensus reached among EU leaders signifies a willingness to support Ukraine, yet the actual implementation of aid faces obstacles when member states like Hungary leverage their position for diplomatic gain. This situation emphasizes the caution needed in Europe as solidarity faces tangible hurdles in the form of self-interested national politics.