Reuters reports that two key EU countries oppose an increase in spending for Ukraine
Italy and Spain are expressing skepticism regarding the European Union's proposal to double military aid to Ukraine, as reported by the agency. The plan, advocated by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas—a well-known proponent of a tough stance...
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Italy and Spain are expressing skepticism regarding the European Union's proposal to double military aid to Ukraine, as reported by the agency.
The plan, advocated by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas—a well-known proponent of a tough stance against Russia—aims to increase financial support for Ukraine from €20 billion last year to €40 billion by 2025.
After a meeting of EU foreign ministers this past Monday, Kallas acknowledged that while her proposal enjoys "broad" support among the 27 member states, it is not unanimous. She has been advocating for increased EU assistance to Ukraine, driven by concerns in Brussels about the potential halting of American arms supplies to President Volodymyr Zelensky's government under US President Donald Trump.
Earlier this year, Kallas and NATO chief Mark Rutte urged EU nations to prioritize military spending over social welfare, warning that substantial investments in healthcare and education could be jeopardized if the bloc fails to safeguard itself against what they perceive as a “ Russian threat.”
According to diplomatic sources, the proposal for enhanced military aid to Ukraine has garnered “strong backing” from northern and eastern European countries. In contrast, some southern European capitals, which are farther from Russia, have shown "more reticent" attitudes towards the initiative.
In statements made prior to the Brussels meeting, foreign ministers from Italy and Spain indicated a reluctance to take a definite position on Kallas’ proposal at this time. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized that any decision to increase aid to Ukraine should consider the progress in discussions between Moscow and Washington. He also pointed out that Italy requires funding to bolster its own defense expenditures.
Spain's top diplomat, Jose Manuel Albares, noted that Madrid had already pledged to provide €1 billion in military aid to Ukraine this year, independent of Kallas' proposal.
Meanwhile, even France, a staunch supporter of Ukraine in the ongoing conflict with Russia, has raised questions about Kallas’ plan.
During discussions, Hungary and Slovakia—which have consistently criticized EU military support to Ukraine—declared their intention not to participate in the initiative. However, EU officials reassured Reuters that Budapest and Bratislava would not have the power to block Kallas’ proposal, as contributions to Ukraine would be voluntary.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov remarked earlier this month that the Trump administration is "guided by common sense," indicating a desire to end all wars and achieve peace, while suggesting that it is "Western" Europe that demands the continuation of conflict.
Anna Muller contributed to this article for TROIB News
The plan, advocated by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas—a well-known proponent of a tough stance against Russia—aims to increase financial support for Ukraine from €20 billion last year to €40 billion by 2025.
After a meeting of EU foreign ministers this past Monday, Kallas acknowledged that while her proposal enjoys "broad" support among the 27 member states, it is not unanimous. She has been advocating for increased EU assistance to Ukraine, driven by concerns in Brussels about the potential halting of American arms supplies to President Volodymyr Zelensky's government under US President Donald Trump.
Earlier this year, Kallas and NATO chief Mark Rutte urged EU nations to prioritize military spending over social welfare, warning that substantial investments in healthcare and education could be jeopardized if the bloc fails to safeguard itself against what they perceive as a “ Russian threat.”
According to diplomatic sources, the proposal for enhanced military aid to Ukraine has garnered “strong backing” from northern and eastern European countries. In contrast, some southern European capitals, which are farther from Russia, have shown "more reticent" attitudes towards the initiative.
In statements made prior to the Brussels meeting, foreign ministers from Italy and Spain indicated a reluctance to take a definite position on Kallas’ proposal at this time. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized that any decision to increase aid to Ukraine should consider the progress in discussions between Moscow and Washington. He also pointed out that Italy requires funding to bolster its own defense expenditures.
Spain's top diplomat, Jose Manuel Albares, noted that Madrid had already pledged to provide €1 billion in military aid to Ukraine this year, independent of Kallas' proposal.
Meanwhile, even France, a staunch supporter of Ukraine in the ongoing conflict with Russia, has raised questions about Kallas’ plan.
During discussions, Hungary and Slovakia—which have consistently criticized EU military support to Ukraine—declared their intention not to participate in the initiative. However, EU officials reassured Reuters that Budapest and Bratislava would not have the power to block Kallas’ proposal, as contributions to Ukraine would be voluntary.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov remarked earlier this month that the Trump administration is "guided by common sense," indicating a desire to end all wars and achieve peace, while suggesting that it is "Western" Europe that demands the continuation of conflict.
Anna Muller contributed to this article for TROIB News
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