Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in relations between Ukraine and Belgium. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a joint press conference with Prime Minister of Belgium Alexander De Croo.
Ukraine and Belgium have signed a bilateral security agreement clearly stipulating the delivery of 30 F-16 aircraft to Ukraine by 2028. The document also includes defense support. This year, Belgium will provide almost a billion euros in military aid.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the support for Ukraine on its path to the EU and NATO, sanctions against Russia and the fair use of Russian assets enshrined in the agreement.
“Today we have discussed that this year Ukraine may receive one billion seven hundred million euros from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets. There is also a solution for reconstruction – Belgium will allocate funds for the restoration of our Chernihiv region,” the President noted.
The Head of State also thanked Belgium and the Prime Minister for the principled support of the Global Peace Summit.
“There are only two scenarios: either real peace or further expansion of the war. We see that Russia is doing everything for the second scenario and is trying to disrupt the Peace Summit. I am grateful to every leader, every state that understands this and does everything to ensure that the Peace Summit can truly become a coercion of Russia into peace,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo noted that his country will continue training the Ukrainian Security and Defense Forces in the naval sector, mine clearance, and F-16 fighter jet operations. He added that Belgium's goal is to deliver the first aircraft to Ukraine this year.
“The current agreement provides Ukraine with the necessary modern military equipment and support for its defense industry. In this agreement, we mainly focus on military needs for the protection of the population – air defense, artillery, defense equipment and, of course, F-16 fighter jets,” he emphasized.
Alexander De Croo also expressed hope that the 14th package of sanctions would be adopted under the Belgian EU Presidency.
“Although Russia's invasion has turned into a war of attrition, the EU and Belgium will continue to stand side by side with you in this war. It is our duty to help you win. Our support remains unchanged and steadfast. The outcome of this war is crucial for our European interests, values and security,” the Belgian Prime Minister summarized.
