EU preparing record EUR 6B military aid package for Ukraine – Politico

As reported by Ukrinform, this was revealed by the European publication Politico, citing diplomatic sources.

“EU countries are preparing a military aid package worth at least €6 billion for Ukraine as it seeks to shore up Kyiv’s strategic position at the outset of U.S.-led talks with Russia, according to three EU diplomats. The package, which should include everything from 1.5 million artillery shells to air defense systems, would mark one of the EU’s largest military aid packages since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 and could be unveiled ahead of a highly symbolic visit by European commissioners to Kyiv on Feb. 24,” the publication states.

According to the article, details of the new EU military aid package for Ukraine come from at least three diplomatic sources. Two of them believe the €6 billion sum could be just an “initial contribution” and may increase to €10 billion as member states assess their arsenals and determine additional resources they can provide.

The proposals are expected to be discussed next Monday during a scheduled meeting of EU foreign ministers.

“A boost in military support could help Ukraine replenish its armed forces, hold back Russian attacks on the front line and protect its cities from aerial assault as Kyiv gears up for peace talks. It may also bolster the EU’s argument to be included in the talks, the first round of which between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov concluded on Tuesdayin Riyadh,” the article states.

As reported, an emergency meeting of European leaders, EU institutions, and NATO representatives took place in Paris yesterday. Participants discussed responses to the U.S. position on European security, including continued support for Ukraine and strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities.

Next Monday, February 24, the EU Foreign Affairs Council will convene in Brussels to continue discussions on these topics.