Belgium releases 200 million euros to buy ammunition for Ukraine
The Belgian government has agreed to release 200 million euros for the purchase of ammunition for Ukraine, prime minister Alexander De Croo announced at a press conference on Wednesday.
The money will be used to buy 155mm artillery ammunition produced outside the EU. About 50,000 units can be bought for 200 million euros and Ukraine could receive the ammunition by the end of March.
The amount comes entirely from taxes levied on the profits generated by Russian assets frozen in Belgium. Those assets bring in a total of about 1.5 billion euros this year, half of which goes to military equipment for Ukraine and the other half to humanitarian, medical or other forms of aid.
The purchase is part of a European project coordinated by the Czech Republic. The UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Canada and Sweden have already pledged funds.
Belgian ammunition
Belgium's Defence ministry will also release around 334 million euros for additional military support to Ukraine, Defence minister Ludivine Dedonder announced. It will send 80 million euros worth of equipment from the army's stockpile, such as armoured vehicles, parts for anti-aircraft guns and smaller calibre ammunition.
With the remaining 254 million euros, Belgium will provide anti-drone capabilities, missiles, other ammunition, demining systems and medical equipment, and will continue to train Ukrainian soldiers within the F-16 coalition.
Finally, Development minister Caroline Gennez announced that Belgium is releasing 150 million euros for Ukraine's reconstruction over the next four years, with a focus on schools, hospitals and energy infrastructure. The money will go to the Chernihiv region, which has come under heavy siege from Russia.
De Croo and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen visited Ukraine last weekend. In a speech, De Croo said European countries "have to do better" to ensure Ukraine has enough ammunition. "If you don't have what you need, we have to admit that we have to do more," he said.
© PHOTO ANATOLII STEPANOV / AFP
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