Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis has raised concerns that without adequate Western support for Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin could achieve "certain victories" in the ongoing conflict. Speaking on February 3, before an informal EU foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels, Landsbergis emphasized the importance of continued military aid to Ukraine, as reported by Ukrinform.
EU High Representative Josep Borrell highlighted on January 31 that military assistance from EU countries to Ukraine is expected to reach 21 billion euros ($22.7 billion) in 2024. Over the first two years of Russia's full-scale invasion, the EU has already provided Ukraine with 28 billion euros ($30.3 billion) for military purposes. The commitment for this year approaches the total aid of the previous two years combined.
However, discussions within the EU reveal some member states' hesitancy to commit to long-term financial support, as per Reuters sources. Germany, among others, has expressed reservations about pledging large sums for the future.
The informal EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, occurring in Brussels on February 3, is considering a proposal to establish an aid fund for Ukraine under the European Peace Facility, proposing 20 billion euros ($21.6 billion) over the next four years, or 5 billion euros ($5.4 billion) annually.
Landsbergis advocates for a more substantial package, suggesting the original proposal of a 20 billion euro ($21.6 billion) military aid package for Ukraine, previously removed from discussions, should be revisited. He stressed the significance of conveying a strong message to the European defense industry and supporting Ukraine's defense efforts, including further sanctions against Russia.
Following a recent summit on February 1, where the EU agreed to allocate 50 billion euros ($54 billion) in aid to Ukraine, Landsbergis calls for serious consideration of Ukraine's assistance, highlighting the dire situation faced by the country.
"Without our help, the war will not develop well for Ukrainians, and this may mean certain victories for Putin, which we cannot allow," Landsbergis cautioned, underscoring the critical need for sustained and substantial Western support to Ukraine.
