Federal government approves 92 million euros extra aid for Ukraine

The Belgian federal government greenlit new support measures for Ukraine on Friday, agreeing to send 92 million extra euros of aid.

Of the proposed amount, 46 million euros is designated for new military support, such as armoured vehicles, weapons and ammunition, while 24 million euros will go to further humanitarian assistance in coordination with the United Nations. Basic needs such as education, healthcare and food security in major cities and warzones will be covered by this amount.

In addition to funds already supplied by the European Investment Bank and the World Bank, 8 million euros will be reserved for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

"Belgium has always been on the side of Ukraine from the beginning of the conflict. I confirmed this again to Volodymyr Zelensky during our meeting in The Hague," said Belgian prime minister Alexander De Croo. "To end the war, the Ukrainian counter-offensive must succeed. The extra support that Belgium pledges today will contribute to this."

Psychological warfare

“Women and children, in particular, are having a very hard time in this brutal war,” says minister of Development Cooperation Caroline Gennez (Vooruit). “There is widespread sexual violence and the use of rape as a weapon of war. More than 1,000 Ukrainian children have already been killed or injured. 1.5 million children are suffering from mental health problems. We will therefore invest extra funds in projects and organisations such as UN Women and the UN Population Fund, which can provide women and children with the necessary medical and psychological care."

Finally, investments are planned to reform and strengthen the Belgian diplomatic network in Ukraine, to secure Ukraine's strategic infrastructure, including nuclear power plants, and to support the International Criminal Court in its investigations into war crimes in Ukraine.

"It must go to the Ukrainians"

"This money comes from the tax proceeds of the blocked Russian assets in our country. We will not keep that, it must go to the Ukrainians," De Croo said on Radio 1.

"The Russian attack in Ukraine and the direct and indirect consequences of the conflict also require increased attention in the region," said Foreign minister Hadja Lahbib (MR). "The Belgian diplomatic network will therefore be adapted to the current geopolitical environment by opening two diplomatic posts in Chisinau [Moldova] and Yerevan [Armenia]."

^{© AFP PHOTO / ANATOLIY STEPANOV}