March 15th
The Weimar Triangle conference, which included France, Germany, and Poland, announced the creation of a “long-range jet artillery” coalition. The direction of a joint production system for weapons in Ukraine was also confirmed. This decision will provide momentum for deepening defense cooperation. German company Rheinmetall has already announced plans to build four weapons factories in Ukraine. These German activities will encourage Polish and French manufacturers to enter the Ukrainian market more actively.
March 18th
At a meeting of the Council of EU Foreign Ministers attended by Ukrainian Minister Dmytro Kuleba, it was decided within the framework to allocate an additional 5 billion euros for military assistance to Ukraine in 2024 in the form of a separate aid fund for Ukraine. Ta. of the European Peace Fund.
This decision was important for several reasons. The creation of such a fund would open up new avenues for military aid to Ukraine in addition to arms supplies under bilateral security agreements. This is a long-term mechanism that facilitates the rapid implementation of initiatives such as the Czech Republic’s proposal for an integrated purchase of artillery ammunition for Ukraine. This also means that decisions on individual financial initiatives within the Fund do not require unanimity, neutralizing attempts by countries to block such decisions.
March 20th
Other interesting topics
Where can Ukraine get more Patriot missile systems?
Ukraine says it needs 25 Patriot systems to fully protect against Russian missile attacks and says it knows which countries have them. But who would give up theirs?
The 20th meeting of the “Ramstein”-style contact group on the defense of Ukraine was held with the participation of the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov. The meeting resulted in several important decisions, including the announcement that the United States would provide Ukraine with additional security assistance worth $300 million. These funds will be used to meet urgent needs in air defense, artillery and anti-tank capabilities.
Germany has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine worth 500 million euros, including 10,000 artillery shells, 100 infantry fighting vehicles and 100 transport vehicles from the Bundeswehr’s stockpile. Belgium has approved an additional military aid package for Ukraine worth 412 million euros. This includes the transfer of three minesweepers, armored ambulances, reconnaissance drones and about 300 armored vehicles in cooperation with the Netherlands.
April 2
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has proposed creating a special fund of 100 billion euros over five years to finance military aid to Ukraine. The purpose of establishing such a fund is to provide Ukraine with long-term, reliable and predictable support. “We must rely more on NATO commitments than on voluntary contributions, and more on multi-year prospects than on short-term proposals,” Stoltenberg said.
Ukraine’s own efforts
The Verkhovna Rada is actively engaged in the implementation of the President’s initiative to increase the level of interparliamentary diplomacy. Congress Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk has prepared an appeal to U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson calling for a vote on the Ukraine aid bill, which has been endorsed by the speakers of 27 countries’ parliaments.
March 19th
The Verkhovna Rada appealed to foreign parliaments and governments to take measures against the disapproval of the results of the Russian presidential election. The document also calls for “all necessary military assistance to Ukraine as the only effective way to counter armed invaders and to help Ukraine restore its territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.” He also asked that the government continue to provide services to the public.
March 18th-19th
The President of the Verkhovna Rada visited Austria and held discussions with the heads of several European parliaments regarding strengthening military aid and defense cooperation.
March 21st
“Russia’s defeat is not a fantasy, but a complete reality on the ground, and it is definitely possible,” President Zelenskiy said at a European Council meeting.
“But for that to happen, Europe needs to unite towards a common goal. After all, Russia’s war is not only against Ukraine, but also against the whole of Europe and the European way of life.”
Europe heard the president’s call and answered briefly and clearly, “We will have arms.”
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the author. Kyiv Post Office.
Oleksiy Leonov is a member of the Ukrainian parliament from Odessa, a member of the People’s Service Party, a chef and the owner of a restaurant chain.
