Europe Pledges Military Aid to Bolster Ukraine
After the US Congress approved aid for Kyiv, Europe is now preparing its own coordinated contribution to Ukraine's defence.
"I welcome the US House of Representatives' approval of the new major aid package for Ukraine," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in a social media post. "Ukraine is using weapons provided by NATO allies to counter Russia's military capabilities. This strengthens security for all of us in Europe and North America."
European Leaders Urge Increased Support
European leaders welcomed the US House of Representatives' approval of a $60.8 billion aid package for Ukraine over the weekend. However, some leaders cautioned that more support from Europe is urgently needed ahead of a potential major Russian offensive in the coming months.
Ukrainian leaders and military officials suspect Russia will launch an offensive in June or July and believe the recent targeting of Ukraine's infrastructure is a prelude to a larger attack.
US House Passes Ukraine Aid Bill
The US House of Representatives passed the aid bill by a vote of 311-112, overcoming strong opposition from conservatives who objected to funding the war in Ukraine. The Biden administration has emphasised that without this aid, Ukraine could lose its defence against the Russian invasion by the end of the year.
Europe Cautions Against Complacency
Many in Europe are warning against false optimism. Estonia and Sweden, in particular, are among the European countries urging caution as EU foreign ministers prepare to discuss Ukraine on Monday.
EU Foreign Ministers to Meet on Ukraine
A crucial test for Europe will come on Monday, when the 27 EU foreign ministers convene in Luxembourg to plan future military aid for Kyiv. Ukrainian foreign and defence ministers are scheduled to participate in the discussion virtually. Ahead of the weekend, NATO's European allies pledged to accelerate the delivery of air defence systems to Ukraine, according to Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
Germany Welcomes US Action
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, a key player in the recent push to deliver additional air defence systems to Kyiv, welcomed the US legislative action. "This is a positive day for Ukraine and European security," Baerbock said on the X platform (formerly Twitter). "I hope this vote will encourage all allies to search their stockpiles and contribute more," Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas echoed this sentiment on the X platform.
Delivery of EU Aid Lags
For now, a significant gap remains between promises and deliveries. Of the one million shells pledged to Ukraine by the EU two years ago, only less than a third, around 300,000, have actually been delivered.
AUTHOR: Dan Alexe
Translation by Iurie Tataru
