Belgium to provide €977 million in military assistance to Ukraine

In a historic move, Ukraine and Belgium have solidified their commitment to security and defense cooperation with the signing of a bilateral pact. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy inked the deal, which includes Belgium pledging €977 million in military aid to Ukraine.

The agreement also specifies that Belgium will provide Ukraine with 30 F-16 fighter jets by 2028, with the first delivery expected this year. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Belgium’s support, emphasizing the importance of timely security assistance and modern equipment to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

The pact encompasses various aspects of military cooperation, including armoured vehicles, air force and air defense equipment, naval security, and military training. Additionally, the agreement outlines plans for defense industry collaboration, support for Ukraine’s Peace Formula, and reinforcement of sanctions against Russia.

Prime Minister De Croo highlighted the necessity of providing Ukraine with the necessary tools to protect its citizens, reaffirming Belgium’s unwavering support for the war-torn country. Zelenskyy’s visit to Belgium comes on the heels of a successful trip to Spain, where he secured a pledge for additional air defense missiles to counter Russian aggression.

Despite these advancements, Zelenskyy stressed the urgent need for US-made Patriot air defense systems to safeguard Ukraine’s power grid and civilian areas from further attacks. The ongoing support from European allies like Belgium and Spain underscores the international community’s commitment to standing with Ukraine in the face of adversity.