Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced significant commitments from Belgium and Spain during discussions with his counterparts from both nations. Belgium will provide €1 billion in defense assistance this year and has confirmed plans to deliver additional F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
Fedorov shared details of his conversations with Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken and Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles, emphasizing a coordinated approach to enhance military cooperation. Key areas of focus include strengthening air defense systems and advancing drone capabilities, as well as a Czech initiative aimed at supplying long-range artillery to the front lines.
In addition to Belgium’s commitment, Spain is set to allocate €1 billion in support of Ukraine by 2026. The discussions also covered the development of defense collaboration within the European SAFE mechanism. Ukraine proposed to test Spanish drones in combat conditions, indicating a willingness to facilitate partnerships between Ukrainian and Spanish manufacturers.
Fedorov stated, “We are prepared to provide a list of manufacturers that can establish cooperation with Spanish companies. We also offered the opportunity to test Spanish drones in real combat scenarios.” This initiative reflects Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to bolster its defense capabilities amid the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine's Defense Minister has secured €2 billion in defense aid from Belgium and Spain, focusing on enhancing military capabilities through advanced technology and cooperation. The commitments include additional fighter jets and a collaborative approach to testing drones in combat conditions.