The EU is considering doubling military aid to Ukraine to €40B in 2025, with contributions based on economic weight. A proposal by the EEAS suggests an initial step of providing 2M artillery rounds and using profits from frozen Russian assets to fund aid.
The European Union should be prepared to go as far as doubling its military aid to Ukraine this year to 40 billion euros ($43 billion) if necessary, according to a discussion paper by the bloc's diplomatic service seen by Reuters on Friday.
The paper, an updated version of an earlier proposal which set out Ukraine's requirements but did not name a target figure, also says each EU country participating in the effort should contribute "in line with its economic weight".
With the future of U.S. backing for Ukraine uncertain, EU countries have expressed a broad willingness to continue supporting the country in the war, but diplomats say several states oppose fixed targets.
The paper says the EU gave about 20 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine last year and encourages EU countries to do at least the same again in 2025, with the total "potentially reaching" 40 billion euros, depending on Kyiv's needs.
EU leaders are likely to discuss the proposal by the European External Action Service (EEAS), headed by former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, at a summit next week.
The EEAS "non-paper" - diplomatic jargon for a discussion document rather than a formal proposal - suggests leaders agree as a first step next week to provide 2 million rounds of large-calibre artillery ammunition to Kyiv this year.
It suggests that some of the costs of the plan could come from a scheme that takes windfall profits from Russian assets inside the EU and uses them for the benefit of Ukraine.
The contents of the new proposal were previously reported by Politico late on Thursday evening.
Hungary, whose prime minister Viktor Orban has criticised EU sanctions on Russia and military assistance to Ukraine, said on Friday his country should contribute funds to a common EU defence policy, but not agree to joint EU borrowing for defence.
The UK has announced a major new package of support for Ukraine, worth £450 million, which includes hundreds of thousands specialised drones.
Germany plans to release an additional €3bn in military aid for Ukraine, marking a breakthrough after Chancellor Olaf Scholz had previously blocked the funds over borrowing rule concerns.
European Council President António Costa announced at a press conference following the EU security summit that several member states have already committed to providing up to €15 billion in additional aid for Ukraine.
Military financing has been stopped, and officials are meeting to consider suspending another type of assistance
Kyiv, Ukraine, February 24, 2025 – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a new military aid package worth €1 billion (approximately $1.047 billion) for Ukraine during a summit in Kyiv marking the third anniversary of the war.
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The Kremlin says President Putin confirmed readiness for direct talks with Ukraine during a meeting with Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow.
A deadly explosion at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port has left at least 25 dead and 800 injured, halting operations at one of the country’s most vital trade hubs.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 27th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A driver has been arrested after ramming into a crowd at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver, leaving several people dead and injured.
France’s prime minister has vowed action after a Muslim worshipper was fatally stabbed in a mosque in what authorities are investigating as a possible Islamophobic crime.
The Kremlin says President Putin confirmed readiness for direct talks with Ukraine during a meeting with Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow.
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