EU leaders fail to agree on a 50 billion euro aid package for Ukraine, renegotiation of EU budget

BRUSSELS — European Union leaders have failed to agree on a €50 billion ($55 billion) aid package for Ukraine and on the renegotiation of the EU budget, EU Council President Charles Michel said Thursday.

The financial package could not be endorsed by all 27 leaders, who earlier Thursday agreed to open membership negotiations with Ukraine. The money is aimed at helping the war-torn country weather the Russian invasion.

Ukraine is badly counting on the funds to help its damaged economy survive in the coming year.