Two key allies of Ukraine are hindering the approval of the EU aid package, according to Der Spiegel.

The leaders of France and Italy are eager to take a prominent role in negotiations between the U.S. and Europe, but the EU initiative is undermining their ambitions.

https://www.unian.net/world/pomoshch-ukraine-ot-es-dva-klyuchevyh-soyuznika-ukrainy-meshayut-prinyatiyu-paketa-pomoshchi-12923664.html2025-02-23 07:23:45

The European Union is facing challenges in reaching an agreement on a multi-billion euro aid package for Ukraine due to the positions of France and Italy. This is reported by Der Spiegel, citing diplomatic sources.

According to the publication, the proposal for a large aid package amounting to 20 billion euros initially came from diplomats working in the foreign affairs office of Commissioner Kaja Kallas. The package is expected to include three components: approximately 1.5 million rounds of ammunition, assistance for air defense systems, recovery options for Ukrainian soldiers, and further training for Ukrainian brigades.

However, as reported by Spiegel, two key allies of Ukraine—France and Italy—have expressed doubts about the feasibility of providing such funding. One of the reasons noted is the significant level of national debt in these countries.

Additionally, both French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are eager to take on a leading negotiating role for Europeans in relation to Washington. The proposal from Kallas and the EU undermines their ambitions, the publication notes.

Spiegel also reports that Hungary and Slovakia have opposed the approval of the aid package for Ukraine, but their position "does not hold much weight," as the package will likely be adopted on behalf of willing member states rather than the entire EU.

Meanwhile, Kallas's team asserts that the situation is not as tense. Elections are taking place in Germany on Sunday, and the government cannot make decisions over the weekend. Furthermore, there are no strict financial frameworks established for the ministries of member states, allowing for some leeway for both France and Italy. Ideally, a decision could be made on Monday when foreign ministers gather in Brussels.

Assistance to Ukraine

It was previously reported that EU authorities are negotiating a package of additional military aid worth 20 billion euros for Ukraine.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also expected to announce a new support package for Ukraine. This will include military assistance for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia and Russian oligarchs.

Earlier, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that European Union countries are preparing to allocate 700 billion euros for the purchase of weapons for Ukraine.