Belgium is planning to make an additional donation of anti-tank and anti-aircraft defence systems to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder announced on Thursday. The news came on the eve of a crucial Ukraine Contact Group meeting in Ramstein, Germany.
The upcoming meeting aims to coordinate aid to Kyiv at a time when the Russian army is throwing increasing resources into the battle for the strategic eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.
On Thursday, Ukraine called on its Western allies to “significantly increase” arms deliveries to stave off Russian forces. The Ukrainian army particularly needs shipments of heavy equipment, which Western armies have been historically hesitant to donate.
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In response to questioning from MP Michel De Maegd, the minister recalled that the Belgian Ministry of Defence had already dug deep to support Ukraine, providing both military and civilian support.
The amount of military aid already delivered to Ukraine, excluding the upcoming shipments of anti-tank and anti-aircraft equipment announced on Thursday, already totals €90 million, Dedonder said.