Belgium releasing EUR 92M in support of Ukraine from tax revenue on frozen Russian assets
The relevant statement was published on the website of the Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croo, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
“Today, the inner cabinet approved a new aid package for Ukraine and its people in preparation of a counteroffensive against Russia. A total of 92 million EUR in new funds will be released, which will come from additional tax revenue generated on frozen Russian assets located in Belgium,” the report states.
In particular, a total of EUR 46 million will go to providing new military support, including armored vehicles, weapons and ammunition with the first deliveries taking place shortly, in coordination with the Ukrainian military.
Another EUR 46 million will be made available to support the Ukrainian people and consolidate Belgium’s diplomatic presence in Ukraine.
A total of EUR 24 million will be spent on additional humanitarian support, in coordination with the United Nations, to cover basic needs, such as education, health and food security, in major cities and war zones.
Additionally, a total of EUR 8 million will be earmarked for Ukraine’s reconstruction through the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the World Bank funds, on top of the amounts already invested.
Lastly, investments are planned to reform and strengthen Belgium’s diplomatic network in Ukraine and the entire region, to secure Ukraine’s strategic infrastructure, including its nuclear power plants, and to support the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its investigation of war crimes in Ukraine.
“From the start of the war, Belgium has been on Ukraine’s side. I confirmed this to Mr. Volodymyr Zelensky again last week when we met in The Hague to discuss the country’s needs. The success of the Ukrainian counteroffensive is crucial to ending the war. The additional support Belgium is pledging today will help in this effort,” Prime Minister of Belgium Alexander De Croo noted.
A reminder that Belgium has been providing consistent support to Ukraine since the Russian invasion started.