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Belgium has announced that it will commit $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine for its ongoing war with Russia.
During a tour of European Union countries, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy secured this substantial pledge from Belgium. This aid package for 2024 includes the provision of 30 F-16 fighter jets over the next four years.
The Netherlands has also shown support by promising to collaborate with EU partners to quickly assemble a Patriot air defense system. This system is crucial for protecting Ukraine’s power grid, civilian areas, and military targets from Russian attacks. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the need for increased air defense systems, stating, “We have seen some progress, but more progress and more air defense systems are urgently needed in Ukraine.”
Zelenskyy’s European tour also yielded a security agreement with Spain, providing 1 billion euros in military aid for 2024 and 5 billion euros by 2027.
Despite this, the European Union faces internal challenges, as Hungary’s objections have stalled an additional 6.5 billion euros in military aid. Hungary, under Prime Minister Viktor Orban, remains a significant hurdle due to his close ties with Russia.
