Defence Minister Theo Francken (N-VA) intends to visit Ukraine – and specifically the capital Kyiv – as soon as possible, together with Prime Minister Bart De Wever (N-VA).
Francken made the announcement on Wednesday after meeting his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov in Brussels. A specific date for the visit, which is at Ukraine's invitation, has not yet been set. Francken also confirmed that Belgium's support for Ukraine remains unwavering in the face of the Russian invasion.
"We have made it clear that Belgium maintains its pro-Ukrainian stance," he said. Francken also announced that the war-torn country will receive more support, including European funds and bilateral aid.
According to Francken, budgetary and technical issues related to the support still need to be discussed within the Belgian Government. "Before we go to Kyiv, that will become clear," he stated.
Promised F-16s
The two defence ministers discussed future Belgian-Ukrainian cooperation in military and economic areas.
Belgium has promised to deliver 30 F-16 fighter jets by 2028. The first jets were expected to arrive in Ukraine by the end of last year, but the delivery has been delayed. Former Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder (PS) attributed the delay to an insufficient number of trained Ukrainian pilots and a lack of spare parts.
Umerov remained relatively quiet about the potential plans of the new US President Donald Trump.
