Ukraine heave sigh of relief as EU clears €1 billion for ammunition until May 31

Brussels: The EU Council on Thursday has approved an assistance measure worth €1 billion under the European Peace Facility (EPF) to support the Ukraine.

A plan was endorsed last month by EU leaders for sending Ukraine 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition within the next 12 months to help the country to counter Russian forces. However, the move was reportedly blocked by France President Emmanuel Macron but it finally gets approval of the council.

This measure will allow the EU to reimburse member states for ammunition donated to Ukraine from existing stocks or from the reprioritisation of existing orders during the period 9 February to 31 May 2023, the EU said in a statement.

Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said “We operationalise the first part of the historic agreement reached by EU leaders to support the immediate delivery of €1 billion worth of artillery ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces. There is no better demonstration of the EU’s united resolve and determination to continue supporting Ukraine’s legitimate right of self-defence against the brutal Russian aggressor.”

Together with the previous seven tranches of support, the assistance measure adopted today brings the total EU contribution for Ukraine under the EPF to €4.6 billion, and once more proves that the EU remains steadfast in its support for the Ukrainian military in defending the country against the illegal Russian aggression, it said.

The EPF was created in 2021 to support partners around the world in the areas of military and defence, with the ultimate aim of preventing conflict, preserving peace and strengthening international security and stability.

Previous assistance measures under the EPF for Ukraine were agreed on 28 February, 23 March, 13 April, 23 May, 21 July, 17 October 2022 and 2 February 2023.

In the face of Russia’s war of aggression, the European Union is unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and its inherent right of self-defence against the Russian aggression.