**EU Commits to Massive Military Aid for Ukraine**
In a significant move, the European Union has pledged to supply over 1.35 million rounds of artillery shells in 2025 and plans to allocate nearly $2.1 billion from Russian frozen assets towards military support for Ukraine. This decision was announced on May 9 by Ukrainian officials.
The news comes as delegations from 35 countries and the Council of Europe gathered in Lviv to discuss the establishment of a special tribunal against the Russian leadership and new defense aid for Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha thanked EU leaders for their initiative, stating that European partners must send Ukraine at least 1.35 million shells by the end of 2025.
**A Historic Decision**
The allocation of $2.1 billion from Russian frozen assets towards military support is a historic decision, according to Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. This amount will be used to purchase weapons directly from Ukrainian manufacturers, as well as to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense and artillery capabilities. The EU has also committed to purchasing over 1 million rounds of artillery shells.
**A Boost for Ukraine’s Defense**
The European Union’s decision is a significant boost for Ukraine’s defense efforts. By allocating funds towards the long-term development of the European defense sector, Ukrainian officials believe that this move will strengthen European defense with unique technologies and enhance the country’s defenders on the battlefield.
**Global Military Aid Trends**
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Europe has allocated $157 billion in military aid to Ukraine. This amount surpasses the United States’ total allocation of $157 billion by a narrow margin. However, it is worth noting that Washington has not allocated new aid packages since January this year.
**Paris Takes a Lead**
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced that Paris will allocate profits from frozen Russian assets towards the maintenance of CEASAR 155mm howitzers, which Ukraine has received dozens of since 2022. This move highlights the increasing involvement of European countries in supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts.
**Commentary**
The EU’s decision to provide massive military aid to Ukraine is a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. By committing to allocate over $2 billion from Russian frozen assets, the EU has demonstrated its resolve to support Ukraine’s defense efforts.
As Kateryna Hodunova, News Editor at the Kyiv Independent, notes, this move is part of a broader trend of increased military aid towards Ukraine. The EU’s commitment to supplying over 1 million rounds of artillery shells and allocating significant funds towards air defense and artillery capabilities will undoubtedly strengthen Ukraine’s defenses in the coming years.
In conclusion, the EU’s decision to provide massive military aid to Ukraine is a testament to the growing unity among European nations in supporting their Ukrainian allies. As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, it remains to be seen how this move will impact the overall dynamics of the war effort.
