The European Union has again stepped up its support for Ukraine. A new initiative is bringing much-needed munitions into the war-torn country — and a Western “fighter jet coalition” is taking shape.
The Ukrainian armed forces have already received some 220,000 artillery shells and mortar shells through the new EU ammunition stockpile initiative. A spokeswoman for EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell announced this on Tuesday after a meeting of defense ministers in Brussels. According to them, about 1,300 missiles were also delivered, including anti-tank missiles, anti-ship missiles and anti-aircraft missiles.
In March, EU countries promised Ukraine to supply one million new artillery shells and missiles within 12 months for the defensive war against Russia. They should be organized from the stocks of the Member States, but in the future also through new joint procurement projects.
“Jet Fighter Coalition” is taking shape
As has also become known, Poland, like other countries, will participate in the training of Ukrainian fighter pilots. This was confirmed by Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak. Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren said the Netherlands, along with Denmark, is also ready to start training.
The next step will be to talk to other countries about who has F-16 fighter jets available.
Ukraine has long urged Western allies to supply fighter jets to the country attacked by Russia. US President Biden cleared the way for training on Friday. The country supports the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, as announced at the G7 summit.
USA with key role
While the training is running, it is then decided together with other partners who will deliver how many aircraft and when. The US plays a key role, not only because of its own large reserves. They must also approve any export of F-16s from allied stocks.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg thanked the participating states for the jet fighter training. This creates the opportunity to make a decision about the delivery later, said the Norwegian in Brussels.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell initially said on Tuesday morning that pilot training had already begun in Poland (see video above). Defense Minister Blaszczak contradicted this in the afternoon. But Poland is ready to start training.
EU transfers more billions in payment to Ukraine
The head of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also announced that the European Union has paid billions in additional aid to Ukraine. The 1.5 billion euros is already the fourth tranche of aid to Ukraine. Up to €18 billion is planned as part of the macro-financial assistance package.
“Since the beginning of this year, the EU has already disbursed €7.5 billion in macro-financial assistance. These funds will contribute significantly to Ukraine’s immediate financial needs. And more will follow,” von der Leyen said in a statement. He must continue to pay wages and pensions and maintain hospitals, schools and housing for resettled people.
The aid is linked to Ukraine meeting certain conditions. Among other things, the rule of law must be strengthened and it must be made transparent where the money goes. Under these conditions, the next 1.5 billion should flow to Ukraine in June.
Source: Krone
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