Belgium has trained nearly 2,500 Ukrainian soldiers to aid in their fight against the Russian invasion, revealed Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder on Thursday.
Joined by Defence Chief, Admiral Michel Hofman, Dedonder delivered a press briefing outlining the various missions where Belgian armed forces are involved. Currently, around 800 Belgian soldiers are deployed on several operational fronts.
Supporting Ukraine remains a principal mission, involving troop deployment in Romania and Lithuania. The aid also extends to training, preparing soldiers, pilots and technicians for the imminent delivery of F-16 fighter jets.
However, the delivery timeline has raised questions following various delays in Belgium's receipt of successor aircraft F-35. Dedonder nevertheless reassured that deliveries of F-16s to Ukraine could occur "before the end of the year if possible." To facilitate quicker dispatch of F-16s to Ukraine, additional spare parts have been ordered. These will enable faster dispatch as soon as the first F-35s are received.
Financial support to Ukraine this year amounts to €916 million, totalling €1.2 billion since Russia invaded in 2022, Dedonder stated. The funds used derive from interest on frozen Russian assets in Belgium.
"Dedicating continued support to Ukraine will proceed as long as necessary," Dedonder affirmed. Conversely, committing ground troops, a notion suggested by French President Emmanuel Macron, is "not on the agenda."
However, Admiral Hofman stressed the need to "anticipate a long-term conflict."
