European leaders clash over future Ukraine aid at Dublin summits

Two European summits in Dublin this week will address further support for Ukraine, with a dispute erupting over future funding just before the meetings. EU leaders gather Thursday for the European Political Community summit, followed by an informal EU summit Friday. Ukraine needs an additional 70 billion euros beyond a 90-billion-euro EU loan, with the EU seeking contributions from all member states. Slovak PM Robert Fico accused German Chancellor Friedrich Merz of "blackmail" over demands for fair contributions, while Merz insists Ukraine support is a "common task" for the EU. The summits will also cover hybrid threats and artificial intelligence, with EU budget negotiations for 2028-2034 remaining difficult. No formal decisions are expected at the informal gatherings.