The EU allocated €5 billion for military support to Ukraine

The EU Foreign Affairs Council agreed to allocate EUR5 billion for military assistance to Ukraine. The decision of March 18 was published on the website of the European Council. The funds are allocated under the European Peace Fund (EPF).

"The EU is living up to its commitments. The Ukraine Assistance Fund turns our words into action. With the Fund, we will continue to help Ukraine defend itself from Russia's war of aggression with whatever it takes and for as long as we need to," Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated.

Josep Borrell.

Photo from open sources

The newly established UAF will allow the EU to further support the evolving needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces through the provision of both lethal and non-lethal military equipment and training. Following today's decision, the EPF financial ceiling will total over EUR17 billion for the 2021-2027 period.

Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. Photo credits: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, also announced the allocation of an additional EUR5 billion for military assistance to Ukraine.

He participated in a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on Monday, March 18. The Minister expressed his gratitude to his colleagues for this step and thanked the Czech Republic for its timely initiative to purchase artillery shells for Ukraine and all EU member states that have already contributed to its implementation. Kuleba called on European allies to take all necessary decisions as soon as possible to increase and accelerate the supply of weapons and ammunition to the Ukrainian army, as well as to develop the capacities of the European defense industry and Ukraine.

155mm artillery shells.

Photo from open sources

Since 2022, the EU has been providing military assistance to Ukraine through the European Peace Fund. In particular, it reimburses member states for the costs of weapons provided to Ukraine. This fund allows the EU to finance activities aimed at strengthening the capacity of non-EU countries.

Funding is provided through tranches agreed upon by officials of EU member states.