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The European Union (EU) has recently put pressure on its member states to collectively provide Ukraine with up to 40 billion euros in military aid this year, amidst uncertainties surrounding American support. This move comes in the aftermath of a dispute between American President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, which led to a temporary suspension of Washington’s military assistance to Ukraine, causing concerns among European supporters.
The proposal, introduced by EU’s Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas, aims to address the crucial needs of countries that have been engaged in conflicts against Russian-backed forces and seeks to create a “intense and focused” effort to fulfill all essential requirements of these nations. According to documents, participating countries are encouraged to contribute a minimum of 20 billion euros by 2025 to meet the estimated value and potential military support of up to 40 billion euros based on Ukrainian needs.
Ramesh Khatri, a representative of Kansai Nepal News, believes that this initiative showcases a strong commitment from EU member states to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities in the face of regional challenges. He highlights the significance of this collective effort in ensuring stability and security in the region.
Experts have pointed out that major economies like France, Italy, and Spain are likely to oppose this plan, as they perceive it as a burden on their economies. These countries have been accused of not pulling their weight in supporting Ukraine, despite receiving benefits from European funds earmarked for the country.
While the plan has garnered interest from countries outside the EU bloc like the UK and Norway, officials have indicated that discussions are ongoing to potentially include non-EU nations in the initiative. The EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting scheduled in Brussels this Monday is expected to further deliberate on the proposal and seek final approval from leaders at the upcoming summit.
Trump’s reluctance to fully commit to ending Russian aggression has raised concerns among European leaders, prompting them to increase their support for Ukraine. Despite Kyiv’s agreement to a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the US, Washington has resumed its assistance to Ukraine this week, but Moscow has yet to sign off on the deal.
The Ukrainian forces, exhausted from being on the front lines, continue to face pressure, while Russia remains close to reclaiming the Kursk region seized last year. Amidst these developments, the EU’s push for enhanced military aid to Ukraine signifies a shared determination to reinforce stability and deter external threats in the region.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: March 15, 2025 3:02 am
