Russian military transport plane crashes near Ukraine
NBCJan 23
EU Likely to Agree Aid for Ukraine Next Week, Latvia Leader Says
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The Facts
EU leaders are moving towards agreeing a €50B ($54.1B) military aid package for Ukraine next week, Latvian leader Edgars Rinkēvičs said on Friday.
After Hungary blocked a similar EU weapons package last month, Rinkēvičs said that agreement would be reached either in a deal with all 27-member states, or via a "different mechanism" if unanimity isn't achieved. "But one thing is very clear," he added. "Ukraine needs that money ... the European Union must deliver."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The far-right, pro-Russia Viktor Orbán has repeatedly blocked measures agreed upon by the rest of the EU. Now his antics are threatening to leave Ukraine, an ally and key partner, without basic supplies and ammunition. The EU is right to consider removing Hungary's voting rights to, at the very least, make the country reconsider its position.
Establishment-critical narrative
Hungary has stated that it will not stand in the way of the EU's desire to send additional military aid to Ukraine. However, it cannot actively endorse the position, and has made clear its concern that the EU is continuing to pursue a wrong-headed policy that will only cause more harm and devastation.
