Belgium approves additional military aid for Ukraine

The Belgian government has given the green light for an additional 412 million euros in aid to Ukraine, Defence minister Ludivine Dedonder announced on Friday. The latest package includes minehunters, armoured ambulances and artillery ammunition.

Three minehunters will be given to Ukraine, in close cooperation with the Netherlands. Belgium will organise basic training for the personnel at the Naval Academy and the Netherlands will provide on-the-job training for the crews. The ministry of Defence will provide maintenance to ensure they are seaworthy and operational.

The second package involves the purchase of armoured ambulances, a joint initiative by the Benelux countries. These will be upgraded and then transferred to Ukraine. The Defence ministry is also planning a joint purchase of reconnaissance drones and will provide nearly 300 Lynx vehicles.

The largest part of the latest aid package is the supply of artillery ammunition, worth 373.1 million euros. The ammunition will be sourced from Defence's own stocks as well as through an international group purchase from various companies.

Together, these initiatives represent an investment of 412 million euros, bringing Belgium's financial support to Ukraine to 575.7 million euros in 2024.

^{© PHOTO ROMAN PILIPEY / AFP}