EU council commits over $5.43B in military aid to Ukraine
EU Council boosts Ukraine’s defense capabilities with over $5.43 billion in military aid through the newly established Ukraine Assistance Fund
The European Union has made a significant commitment to support Ukraine by establishing the Ukraine Assistance Fund (UAF) within the European Peace Facility (EPF).
This initiative substantially boosts military aid, allocating 5 billion euros, equivalent to over $5.43 billion, to strengthen Ukraine’s defense against Russia.
EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, emphasized the Union’s unwavering support.
“The EU is living up to its commitments. The Ukraine Assistance Fund turns our words into action. With the fund, we will continue to support Ukraine to defend itself from Russia’s war of aggression with whatever it takes and for as long as we need to,” he said.
The UAF will address the evolving military needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces by providing both lethal and non-lethal military equipment and training.
It also aims to enhance the EU’s operational support to Ukraine, ensuring more effective joint procurement, especially from European and Norwegian defense industries. This effort includes integrating flexibility in supply chains and leveraging existing procurement structures and the European Defence Agency (EDA).
In addition to establishing the UAF, the Council has upgraded the EPF’s governance rules, making them more sustainable and adaptable to the current international landscape.
These changes will result in the EPF’s financial ceiling surpassing $18.46 billion for the 2021-2027.
According to Al Jazeera, the EU’s move provides a critical boost to Ukraine, especially as its forces confront numerous challenges on the front lines.
The fund is a unique cashback scheme, reimbursing EU members for supplying military aid.
A compromise in the policy, allowing flexibility in sourcing equipment, was crucial to ensuring swift assistance to Ukraine.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba welcomed this move, saying: “This is yet another powerful and timely demonstration of European unity and determination in achieving our common victory.”
The announcement comes as Kyiv’s forces withstand increasing pressure.
The EU’s support, coupled with a recent $300 million weapons package from the United States, signals the international community’s ongoing commitment to aiding Ukraine in a protracted conflict.
Source: Newsroom
