EU High Representative for Foreign policy Kaja Kallas is set to propose a plan to Member States for additional military aid to Ukraine, potentially amounting to €40 billion, diplomatic sources revealed on Friday.
Kallas had previously announced her intention to present a plan for increased military assistance to Kyiv. She presented an initial version of her plan to Member States’ foreign ministers in February, but it did not specify any figures.
A new draft of the plan is now circulating within European circles and will be submitted to the Council of Foreign Ministers on Monday.
This proposal suggests mobilising between €20 billion and €40 billion for ammunition and artillery based on Ukraine’s needs. By 2025, the EU aims to send 2 million shells, along with air defence systems and drones.
Around €2 billion is expected to come from interest on frozen Russian assets, primarily located in Belgium. Kallas hopes the remaining funds will be contributed by all Member States according to their economic capacity.
Diplomats note that the discussion is “complicated” by resistance from certain members. The solution may involve creating a ‘coalition of the willing’ to bypass Hungary’s veto. The initiative might also include non-EU countries such as the United Kingdom.
Diplomats do not anticipate an agreement on Monday.
“If Kallas secures a strong commitment from several Member States on Monday, that would be significant,” said one diplomat, emphasising that many details remained unclear.
A significant breakthrough is not expected at the next European summit on 20-21 March either.
