English Section

EU foreign policy chief Kallas to push for increased military aid to Ukraine

16.03.2025 19:15
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is set to urge EU foreign ministers on Monday to significantly step up military support for Ukraine, including artillery ammunition, air defence systems, and missiles, according to EU sources.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Commission for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, gives an interview during the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Charlevoix, Canada, 13 March 2025.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Commission for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, gives an interview during the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Charlevoix, Canada, 13 March 2025.Photo: Sebastian Christoph Gollnow/dpa

The meeting in Brussels comes during a critical week for European defence.

On Wednesday, the European Commission will present a white paper on the future of European defence, followed by discussions on the issue at an EU summit on Thursday.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha is expected to brief the ministers on Ukraine’s most urgent needs during Monday’s meeting.

The EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas is championing a new initiative proposing up to EUR 40 billion in military aid, a figure that far surpasses previous EU commitments.

The plan, which is open to contributions from non-EU states, is structured to bypass potential Hungarian vetoes by relying on voluntary contributions.

A senior EU source, as reported by the Polish Press Agency (PAP), emphasised that Kallas will stress the importance of supporting Ukraine as a vital measure for Europe’s security.

In addition to military aid, the ministers will discuss further sanctions against Russia, military training for Ukrainian brigades, and enhanced EU defence cooperation.

Some EU member states have recently called for swift progress on a 17th sanctions package and for accelerating Ukraine’s EU accession talks.

The foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels is scheduled to begin on Monday at 08:30 CET.

(ał)

Source: PAP