Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a swift visit to the European Union, where he secured another pledge of $1 billion in military aid to support Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia. This follows a similar commitment made just the day before.
Belgium has made a commitment to provide additional financial support and has pledged to supply Ukraine with 30 F-16 fighter jets over the next four years. The Netherlands has also joined in this effort by promising to collaborate with other key EU partners in assembling a Patriot air defense system. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy considers this defense system crucial in preventing Russia from targeting the power grid, civilian areas, and military targets with destructive glide bombs that cause extensive damage.
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Ukraine received a significant boost in military aid after President Zelenskyy signed a bilateral security agreement with Spain. Under this agreement, Ukraine will receive 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) of military aid in 2024, followed by an additional 5 billion euros ($5.4 billion) by 2027. This substantial investment will greatly enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities and support its ongoing efforts to ensure national security.
The European Union’s bilateral aid plays a crucial role as it currently faces challenges in providing direct military assistance to Kyiv due to Hungary’s objections. The conflict in Ukraine has persisted for three years, following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
The Hungarian government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has halted approximately 6.5 billion euros ($7 billion) in funding. Known as Russia’s strongest ally within the European Union, Hungary wields significant veto powers, which it has employed to delay the allocation of funds intended to enhance Ukraine’s defense initiatives.
During his meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo on Tuesday, Zelenskyy not only secured immediate financial assistance but also finalized a security agreement. The agreement is specifically designed to ensure Ukraine receives military support until it becomes a member of the NATO alliance.
According to reports, Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy has been emphasizing the urgent need for seven additional U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems. This request comes after Russia’s spring offensive in eastern Kharkiv, where there are concerns about potential attacks on the power grid, civilian areas, and military targets using destructive glide bombs. Zelenskyy believes that these air defense systems will be crucial in preventing such devastating attacks.
During a meeting with her EU colleagues, Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren expressed the intention to construct a system for defense purposes within a relatively short period of time. The Netherlands possesses the essential elements required for a Patriot system, while other EU countries will contribute additional crucial components and ammunition.
“We are also fighting Europe’s fight,” she declared.
Hungary, on the other hand, is still staunchly against the rapid distribution of EU aid, causing frustration among its fellow EU allies.
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur expressed his concern about the lack of progress in making critical decisions. He emphasized the urgency of addressing these important matters.
Zelenskyy had planned to visit Belgium and Spain earlier this month, but he made the decision to postpone all his foreign trips due to Russia’s offensive in the Kharkiv region.
In recent months, Ukraine has made multiple attempts to target Russian forces, primarily utilizing drones. However, Russia has been enhancing its response to the advancements in unmanned vehicle technology.
The improving weather has brought Ukraine its biggest military challenge since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Ukraine’s Western partners, particularly the delayed U.S. military aid, have left the country vulnerable to Russia’s larger army and air force.
