The European Union will provide a new €500 million tranche to support Ukraine’s armed forces. This was announced by Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, ahead of a meeting of G7 foreign and development ministers in Weissenhaus today.
This will bring the total amount of military support to Ukraine to €2 billion.
“When we say Ukraine is fighting for us, this is not an empty phrase,” wrote Borrell on Twitter.
Borrell was immediately supported on Twitter by Charles Michel, President of the European Council, saying: “Time is of the essence.”
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Borrell also said he expects the G7 meeting to increase pressure on Russia through economic sanctions and further international isolation of Russia.
Asked by a reporter about the possible provision of fighter planes as part of this new tranche, Borrell said the funds would be used for heavy weaponry: “At the moment we are providing armoured vehicles, tanks, heavy artillery, ammunition – things that are necessary for this kind of war.”
Regarding the oil embargo, Borrell said he expects the EU to reach an agreement: “We need this agreement, and we will reach it. Because we have to get rid of oil dependence on Russia. We have to understand the specific circumstances of each of the 27 member countries. But if there is no agreement at the ambassadorial level, then on Monday the ministers, when they meet at the Foreign Affairs Council, must give political impetus. I will take very much care of that.”