The European Union has disbursed a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, a move made possible after Hungary's recent elections led to a shift in government. Former Prime Minister Viktor Orban had been a significant obstacle to EU support for Ukraine, but his departure does not eliminate skepticism from other EU member states regarding Ukraine's potential membership. Countries like France and Germany have expressed concerns about rushing Ukraine's accession, preferring a careful approach that avoids shortcuts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has set a goal for EU membership by 2030, but this now appears increasingly unrealistic. The EU's financial support is vital for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia, yet the prospect of granting EU citizenship to individual Ukrainians raises fears that it could lead to a brain drain, weakening Ukraine's ability to resist Russian aggression. The EU must navigate these complexities carefully to avoid repeating past mistakes, particularly the failed strategy of positioning Ukraine as a bridge between East and West, which has significant implications for regional stability.