[Goose]

The EU got Hungary to agree to the 50 billion Euro aid package with no clear veto right during the next 4 years:
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-...024-02-01/

Indeed good news. I am almost certain Hungary (Orbán) was promised something for getting out of the way. However, it probably wasn't much. The EU getting fed up with Hungary's obstructionism may have scared Orbán more than any negative domestic political fallout did.

Next up, U.S. funding for Ukraine, which may take some time.

Unfortunately, you may be correct. It may be "a while" before the House finally passes something. Right now, the US is sending weapons to other friendly nations (Greece) with the understanding they will immediately be donated to Ukraine. This helps a bit, but is not a fully powered "work-around". Hopefully things will get sorted "soon".

Also possibly coming soon, Swedish accession to NATO, which may not provide a material boost to Ukraine right away, but which still seems important as part of a longer term strategy to mitigate the Russian threat.

Swedish accession to NATO is important in practice because only then can they get access to NATO communications codes and intelligence data. In particular, fully "NATO Standard" IFF will need to be provided for their aircraft. It is probable the hardware is capable already, but they need the codes and protocols. Sweden undoubtedly has some significant info that they are holding back until they are fully "inside the tent". The full integration of Swedish assets into NATO will not happen instantaneously. The sooner it starts the more effective it will be.

IMO Orbán is going to hold out for a "good deal" on the renewal and expansion of the Gripen lease. I think he will get it pretty fast, as it doesn't really cost Sweden much "real" money. Sweden can view it as "foreign aid" to a fellow NATO nation and claim it enhances Swedish security. Orbán can claim victory for domestic consumption. Sweden will get into NATO at a minimal cost. All will then be well (until Orbán makes a nuisance of himself about something else).

[Goose]

The EU got Hungary to agree to the 50 billion Euro aid package with no clear veto right during the next 4 years:
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-...024-02-01/

Indeed good news. I am almost certain Hungary (Orbán) was promised something for getting out of the way. However, it probably wasn't much. The EU getting fed up with Hungary's obstructionism may have scared Orbán more than any negative domestic political fallout did.

Next up, U.S. funding for Ukraine, which may take some time.

Unfortunately, you may be correct. It may be "a while" before the House finally passes something. Right now, the US is sending weapons to other friendly nations (Greece) with the understanding they will immediately be donated to Ukraine. This helps a bit, but is not a fully powered "work-around". Hopefully things will get sorted "soon".

Also possibly coming soon, Swedish accession to NATO, which may not provide a material boost to Ukraine right away, but which still seems important as part of a longer term strategy to mitigate the Russian threat.

Swedish accession to NATO is important in practice because only then can they get access to NATO communications codes and intelligence data. In particular, fully "NATO Standard" IFF will need to be provided for their aircraft. It is probable the hardware is capable already, but they need the codes and protocols. Sweden undoubtedly has some significant info that they are holding back until they are fully "inside the tent". The full integration of Swedish assets into NATO will not happen instantaneously. The sooner it starts the more effective it will be.

IMO Orbán is going to hold out for a "good deal" on the renewal and expansion of the Gripen lease. I think he will get it pretty fast, as it doesn't really cost Sweden much "real" money. Sweden can view it as "foreign aid" to a fellow NATO nation and claim it enhances Swedish security. Orbán can claim victory for domestic consumption. Sweden will get into NATO at a minimal cost. All will then be well (until Orbán makes a nuisance of himself about something else).