Belgium announced the provision of a $1.1 billion defense aid package to Ukraine, and also raised the issue of a possible supply of F-16 fighter jets. About this reported President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a joint press conference with Prime Minister of Belgium Bart De Wever.
Zelensky thanked the head of the Belgian government for the provided military support and emphasized the importance of this assistance for Ukraine. During the meeting, the parties also discussed the prospects of joint production and investment in the production sphere in Ukraine, which, according to the president, will contribute to strengthening security in Europe.
Zelensky noted that there are currently three agreements between Ukrainian and Belgian manufacturers, and the signing of relevant documents is ongoing.
«Also, we are grateful for Belgium’s participation in the program to strengthen our military aviation. We are working on the delivery of F-16s from Belgium. In general, Belgium has consistently supported us since the first days of a full-scale invasion.» — added Zelensky.
Bart De Wever, in turn, said that Belgium will allocate 1 billion euros to Ukraine each year for defense needs. Commenting on the conclusion of contracts between manufacturers, the Prime Minister of Belgium emphasized that Brussels intends to support Ukraine in building its own potential for self-defense, as well as in strengthening the security of Europe against possible threats from the Russian Federation.
«We have to cooperate so that the private sector sees interesting opportunities for investment, to build more capacity for our military industry. So 1 billion euros in the form of an aid package and also cooperation along the lines of military industry that are ready to invest in your country.» Bart De Wever noted.
