Reuters quoted several unnamed European diplomats as saying that the EU's proposal to spend about 20 billion euros ($21.4 billion) in military aid for Ukraine is facing opposition from some countries in the bloc and is unlikely to be approved.
Even Germany is among those expressing skepticism about the success of the aid package.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is pushing for a four-year military aid initiative for Ukraine, but some EU countries are reluctant to commit to the plan, Reuters reported.
Ukraine could lose $21 billion in military aid from the EU as members of the bloc lose confidence in Ukraine's victory. (Photo: Reuters)
"Germany is the country that has raised the most questions about the $21 billion aid package. We all understand that it is a large amount of money," the source told Reuters. According to the official, the proposal will not be approved and the EU will come up with a more suitable alternative.
EU defence ministers are expected to discuss plans for military aid to Ukraine at a meeting in Brussels next week, as the bloc debates a separate proposal to provide around 50 billion euros in economic support to Kiev.
Several EU member states have spoken out against the economic aid package, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban opposing the proposal in a vote last month.
“This proposal is not well-constructed and is not suitable as a basis for serious negotiations, so we reject it,” said Prime Minister Orban.
Slovakia has also questioned the need for continued aid to Kiev after nearly two years of conflict. Speaking to reporters in October, Slovakia’s new Prime Minister Robert Fico asked “does funding Ukraine change the outcome of this war? If so, invest another 50 billion euros, and it doesn’t matter what happens.”
Other security assistance to Ukraine could face similar opposition.
According to the European Commission, the EU has authorized a total of €83 billion in military, economic and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since Russia began its military operation in February 2022. However, despite the West’s generosity, Kiev’s summer counteroffensive has failed to achieve its goals.
The Russian Defense Ministry estimates that Kiev has lost more than 90,000 troops, more than 55 tanks and 1,900 armored vehicles since June.
Tra Khanh (Source: Reuters, RT)
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