Explaining complex things in simple words: U.S. assistance, Ukrainian grain in Poland, Orbán's "buffer" arguments

The Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security pursues efforts to provide a brief explanation to foreign audiences on the current topics of particular interest as regards Ukraine.  

U.S. ASSISTANCE

On February 11, the U.S. Senate voted to stop the debate and amend the bill to allocate USD 95 bin in support of Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

The process of adopting the bill on support for Ukraine is moving forward according to the procedure. The final consideration and voting are ahead.

We hope for a positive result in the House of Representatives, where there is a Republican majority.

The delegation of the U.S. Congress, which visited Ukraine on February 9, assured that the decision to allocate assistance to Ukraine had the support of both chambers.

The bill could move faster if Democrats and Republicans agree to speed up its consideration. But no such agreement has been reached so far.

Every day of delaying costs the defenders of Ukraine dearly; they are forced to restrain the onslaught of a numerically dominant and well-armed enemy.

UKRAINIAN GRAIN IN POLAND

On February 11, near the Dorohusk border crossing in Poland, the blockade participants stopped three Ukrainian trucks and poured grain from them onto the road.

Ukrainians are outraged by the actions of the blockade participants with Ukrainian grain, this action may cost Poland serious reputational damage.

Grain for Ukrainians is not just a commodity. In a country that survived the Holodomor, bread and grain are treated with particular respect.

Growing crops in Ukraine in the face of constant Russian attacks is a difficult and dangerous thing. Each ton of grain is not only hard work, but also the self-sacrifice of Ukrainian farmers.

Russia is attacking Ukrainian ports to prevent the maritime export of grain. We sincerely hope that a separate group of Polish citizens did not decide to join the Russian grain blockade in this way.

Damage to other people's property by the blockade participants is illegal. We expect a quick response from Polish law enforcement agencies, as well as public condemnation of the shameful act by Polish society.

ORBÁN'S "BUFFER" ARGUMENTS

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that Ukraine should become a buffer zone between Russia and NATO; otherwise, it would lose its territory because the Russians would attack it again and again.

Russia is not interested in any "buffer zones," its goal is the expansion and destruction of Ukraine.

Ukraine's membership in NATO is the only long-term guarantee of Russia's non-aggression. Ukraine outside the Alliance is an "invitation" for the Kremlin to continue the aggression.

The Kremlin is only going to pander to Orbán as long as it needs him to weaken European support for Ukraine.

NATO without Ukraine will not have sufficient capacity to deter Russian aggression. Hungary's security also depends on the survival of Ukraine.

Despite Orbán's rhetoric, Ukraine is grateful to Hungary for the positive vote in the European Council to open negotiations on EU membership and the allocation of financial assistance.

Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security