Nearly €1 Billion in Military Aid and F-16s in 2024: Ukraine and Belgium Sign Security Agreement
Ukraine and Belgium have signed a cooperation agreement in the field of security and long-term support, endorsed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. This was reported by the Office of the President of Ukraine.
As part of this agreement, Belgium will allocate at least €977 million in military aid to Ukraine in 2024. The document states that Belgium will provide support to Ukraine throughout the 10-year term of the agreement if necessary. The document also mentions the supply of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
"For the first time in such a security agreement, a specific number of military aircraft to be provided to Ukraine is specified — 30 F-16s by 2028. The first fighter jets are to be delivered this year," reported the Office of the President of Ukraine.
Additionally, Belgium guarantees timely security assistance, modern military equipment, and weaponry, considering Ukraine's needs in the fields of air force and air defence, maritime security, demining, and within the coalition on munitions. Belgium will also facilitate the training of Ukrainian military personnel.
The document also addresses bilateral cooperation in the defence industry, support for the Ukrainian peace formula, strengthening sanctions against Russia, compensation for damages caused by its aggressive war, and holding the aggressor accountable. It notes that Belgium and Ukraine will deepen cooperation in intelligence, cybersecurity, and countering disinformation. The agreement clearly confirms Belgium's support for Ukraine's future membership in the EU and NATO.
It is noteworthy that Belgium has become the 11th country with which Ukraine has signed a bilateral security agreement in implementation of the provisions of the G7 Joint Declaration adopted in Vilnius on 12 July 2023. Previously, Ukraine signed bilateral agreements with the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Finland, Latvia, and Spain.
As of 30 April 2023, Belgium had already provided Ukraine with aid amounting to €1.072 billion.