EU Military Aid Proposal for Ukraine Faces Resistance

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas' plan to mobilize €40 billion in military aid for Ukraine has encountered significant resistance among EU member states, Orda reports, citing Politico.

The proposal, aiming to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities, has been met with skepticism, mainly from southern European countries like Spain and Italy.

The two have expressed concerns over budgetary constraints and the plan's feasibility.

The initial plan included provisions for supplying 1.5 million rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine in 2025.

However, internal disagreements and a lack of prior consultation with key stakeholders have led to a scaling down of the proposal. Kallas revised the plan, advocating for a more modest €5 billion package to provide 2 million rounds of large-caliber artillery ammunition. ​

Consensus among EU member states remains elusive.

France, the bloc's leading military power, has yet to endorse the revised aid package fully. Additionally, Hungary has openly opposed increased support for Ukraine, highlighting the challenges in achieving unanimity within the EU. ​

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appealed to EU leaders for expedited support, emphasizing the urgent need for artillery shells and financial assistance. While some member states back the initiative, others advocate for voluntary contributions. ​