Belgium is unable to provide tanks, as demanded by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The Belgian government announced on Friday 27 January the granting of new funding to Ukraine for civil aid and the supply of missiles, machine guns, ammunition and armored vehicles.
“These include anti-aircraft missiles, anti-tank missiles, machine guns, grenades and many other military equipment that allow Ukraine to continue to defend against the Russian invasion, detailed the Minister of Defense Ludivine Dedoneder during a press conference.
“No more tanks in stocks”
On the other hand, Belgium is not in a position to provide tanks, as demanded by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The requirement has been met by promises from half a dozen Western partners, including the United States, Germany, Canada and even the United Kingdom this week. Ludivine Dedonder explained that there were no more tanks in the stocks of available defense equipment. They were sold ten years ago.
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The new Defense effort has been valued at 93.8 million euros, bringing total Belgian aid to almost 228 million since the start of the war in February 2022.
It was presented as a contribution so that the Ukrainian army could “contain a new offensive of the Russian army in the coming weeks“. “The Ukrainian people need our support to fight against an all-out attack on the foundations of our society“said Ludivine Dedonder.
Civil Support
For the civilian and humanitarian component, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo mentioned the delivery of “ambulances, tents, medical kits, generators», and a contribution to an international financing program for the transport of agricultural raw materials out of Ukrainian ports.
“In total, civil support amounts to 86 million euros: 69 million in humanitarian aid, to which are added 10.6 million for recovery and reconstruction“, detailed the Flemish liberal leader.
Belgium has also delivered 38,000 tonnes of fuel, mainly diesel, to Ukraine over the past year.
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