On Friday, the EU will start a plan that would allow up to EUR 40 billion for armed assistance for Ukraine this year.
According to Politico, the EU diplomatic body (EEAS) proposes a plan that, this year, EU countries and non-Union coalitions could send an armed assistance of up to EUR 40 billion to Ukraine.
On Thursday, Kauppalehti was told about EU sources that a Friday EU Ambassadors’ meeting is coming up with a “concrete presentation on the deliveries of ammunition and anti-aircraft systems, as well as training and equipping soldiers”.
The draft document seen by Politico urges EU leaders who are willing to participate in the Ukraine coalition to agree on the supply of 2 million projectiles next Thursday. The value of the package is EUR 5 billion and would be the first step in the support package.
In addition, “Participatory States are encouraged to provide military support to Ukraine this year, an estimated value of at least EUR 20 billion.
According to Ukraine’s support needs, the amount could reach up to EUR 40 billion.
The amount of EUR 40 billion consists of supporting Ukraine last year with about 20 billion weapons and about 15-18 billion in the United States, and if the United States is completely retreating from the armed support of Ukraine, the EU should compensate for the difference.
The money is to be used for large caliber artillery shootings, air defense systems, missiles, droons and fighter jets.
In addition, they would cover the cost of Ukraine’s security guarantees if the peacekeeping operation is sent to Ukraine.
Hungary’s opposition is twisted
The new plan does not require consensus in EU countries. It is a way to circumvent Hungary’s opposition to support Ukraine’s armed.
The EU had previously tried to send 1.5 million artillery shootings to Ukraine, but at that time Hungary used his traction and was able to prevent help.
The new initiative is open to all EU members and to non -EU partner countries with the “consent of participating member countries”. This design allows Greece and Cyprus to have a veto to prevent Turkey from participating.
The draft also states that weapons should be purchased from the Ukrainian defense industry if possible.
Coalition countries are advised to participate in the payment of the aid package “in accordance with their economic weight”. In practice, this means a model based on GDP. The aid could be either money or bilateral deliveries.
According to the proposal, the EU would be expected to issue approximately EUR 1.9 billion from Russia’s frozen funds.
EU major Ambassadors will handle a new set support package on Friday.
It is followed by EU Foreign Ministers on Monday and on Thursday EU leaders at their summit.