The European Union agreed to an increase of 5 billion euros in aid to the Ukrainian army

Republicans in the US Congress have blocked the aid bill of the Biden administration to Ukraine, over the majority they have in the House of Representatives. This issue has caused Kiev to lose its biggest financial and weapons supporter. At the same time, the war of attrition of the last 2 years has now been accompanied by Russia’s superior hand in the battle fronts. Now other countries are looking to replace Washington’s aid to Kiev.

According to Al Jazeera news agency, the European Commission announced today (Monday) that the members have approved the agreement of last week to increase the aid of the European Union to the Ukrainian army worth 5 billion euros.

EU foreign policy official Josep Borrell said in a statement: “With the approval of this aid package, we will continue to support Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression for as long as it takes.”

This statement adds: The European Union continues to increase Ukraine’s weaponry with its financial support. This budget includes the purchase of offensive weapons and logistics, as well as the training of the country’s military forces.

The European Commission also approved rules for the joint purchase of this equipment from defense contractors of the European Union and Norway (a non-EU member but a NATO member).

With the approval of the new additional budget for Ukraine, the EU budget for Kyiv for the period 2021-2027 reaches 17 billion euros. Last week, the ambassadors of 27 European Union member states agreed to increase the aid to the Ukrainian army by 5 billion euros to fight against Russia.