Uh oh, it seems like Ukraine is losing some major support in their fight against Russia. Green politician Anton Hofreiter and EPP leader Manfred Weber are sounding the alarm bells, urging Europe to step in and help out.
The US has been struggling to get a whopping $61.4 billion in aid to Ukraine due to a blockade in Congress, leading to an 87% drop in aid since January 2022. That's some serious reduction, and it's got Hofreiter worried. He's calling on Europe to fill the gap, urging European partners to quickly order weapons systems from the arms industry to defend Ukraine.
US President Joe Biden has been trying to break the blockade since October, but so far, no luck. It's a frustrating situation, and Hofreiter doesn't mince words. He warns that if Ukraine loses, there will be no peace, and Putin will continue to attack.
Manfred Weber, leader of the EPP group, shares Hofreiter's concerns. He points out that Russia is already destabilizing Europe, with closed borders, daily cyber attacks, and fake news spreading like wildfire in Slovakia. Weber calls on heads of state and government to provide further assistance, urging the EU summit next week to send a clear signal of support to Ukraine.
Now, I wouldn't want to burden you with too much information, but there's been some talk about Europe potentially increasing its military aid to Ukraine by at least €6 billion. That's a pretty hefty package, including 1.5 million artillery shells and air defense systems. It's a collective effort, with individual countries chipping in where they can. Germany, for instance, has been a significant contributor.
But like any good political debate, there are different opinions. Some, like the Green Party's Hofreiter, are more hawkish, advocating for increased military support. Others, like EPP leader Manfred Weber, are more diplomatic, pushing for peace negotiations and a more balanced approach.
It's a complicated situation, and it's clear that Europe needs to tread carefully. With Russia's aggression showing no signs of slowing down, it's crucial that Europe finds a way to support Ukraine without escalating the conflict any further. Let's hope they can figure it out soon.
