EU Council allocates seventh assistance package worth EUR 545M to Ukraine

Today, the Council of the European Union formally adopted a decision to allocate a seventh package worth EUR 500 million under the European Peace Facility (EPF) that provide further military assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as EUR 45 million to ensure the training of the Ukrainian military.

This is said in a statement published on the European Council’s website, Ukrinform reports.

“Ahead of the summit between the European Union and Ukraine, the Council today adopted assistance measures under the European Peace Facility (EPF) that provide further military assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. These consist of a seventh package worth €500 million, and a new €45 million assistance measure supporting the training efforts of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine),” the statement says.

With today’s decision, the EU is stepping up its support to Ukraine to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, and protect the civilian population against the ongoing Russian war of aggression. The seventh package will now bring the total EU contribution under the EPF for Ukraine to EUR 3.6 billion.

At the same time, the aim of the new assistance measure supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine trained under EUMAM Ukraine is to provide necessary non-lethal equipment and supplies as well as services to back the training activities.

It is noted that the mobilisation of additional military assistance and support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine trained by EUMAM Ukraine demonstrates that the EU remains steadfast in its support for the Ukrainian military in defending the country against the escalating illegal Russian aggression.

Moreover, Russia’s latest indiscriminate attacks on Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure are additional proof of Russia’s complete disrespect for human rights and international law.

“Ukraine should get all the necessary military equipment and training it needs to defend its territory and its people from Russia’s war of aggression. They are not just defending their country; they are also defending our common values and the basic principles of international law. Today’s new measures send a clear message at a crucial time: we will continue supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes and as long as it is needed,” said Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Previous assistance measures under the EPF for Ukraine were agreed on 28 February, 23 March, 13 April, 23 May, 21 July and 17 October 2022.

On 17 October 2022, the Council adopted a decision establishing EUMAM Ukraine with an initial duration of two years. The mission is a direct response to Ukraine’s request for support addressed to the High Representative. It is intended to provide individual, collective and specialised training to Ukraine’s Armed Forces, as well as coordination and synchronisation of member states’ activities delivering the training.