Belgium will provide €8 million in non-lethal aid to the Ukrainian Armed Forces via NATO, including first-aid material and winter clothing, the country's Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib announced on Thursday.
The announcement was made following the decision to make the voluntary contribution to NATO's Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) by the Federal Council of Ministers.
"For six months now, Ukrainians have been fighting a courageous battle for their freedom and their country. I confirmed to President Zelenskyy this week that Ukraine can continue to count on Belgium's support," Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said.
"We are now putting our money where our mouth is. Belgium is once again responding to concrete needs and in the coming weeks will be delivering vital materials to Ukraine."
Assistance for winter months
The funds will contribute to the purchase and provision of first-aid materials for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the supply of winter clothing, and other equipment such as night vision goggles or pharmaceuticals.
"Winter is a potentially crucial phase in the conflict. It is therefore of great importance that the Ukrainian armed forces receive the necessary equipment to continue to cope with Russian aggression," Lahbib said.
"Our country was one of the first to provide equipment. Six months after the start of this unprovoked, unjustified and illegal war, we continue to do so. Our country remains above all in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and will continue to support their sovereignty in every way."
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The decision by the Federal Council of Ministers follows one made by the heads of state and government of the allies at the NATO Summit in Madrid at the end of June when De Croo said the only way out of the current crisis caused by the Russian invasion is "to help Ukraine win the war."
Leaders agreed that the non-lethal support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces via the CAP Trust Fund would be significantly increased to help Ukraine "resist Russian aggression and prepare for post-war reconstruction."
