Brussels pledges €1 billion to boost Ukraine’s defence production

The European Union will officially announce a new €1 billion support package for Ukraine's domestic arms production during a visit by EU foreign ministers to Kyiv on May 9.

Speaking ahead of the planned visit, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas confirmed that the funds will be specifically directed toward bolstering Ukraine’s defence manufacturing capabilities amid its ongoing war with Russia, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

“Ministers will go to Ukraine tomorrow and there will announce the allocation of a billion euros for the Ukrainian defence industry,” she stated.

The announcement comes as part of a broader EU effort to ensure the long-term sustainability of Ukraine’s defence sector, which has faced mounting strain under prolonged conflict conditions. This move also aligns with the EU’s growing commitment to directly supporting Ukraine’s military-industrial base, rather than focusing solely on arms deliveries from member states.

The initiative is the latest in a series of financial packages provided to Ukraine, including a previous €1 billion tranche derived from proceeds generated by Russia’s frozen assets held abroad.

Meanwhile, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó voiced strong opposition to broader EU plans to secure long-term funding for Ukraine, particularly before any formal accession process is concluded. Following a meeting of EU foreign ministers, Szijjártó stated that Brussels intends to develop a seven-year financial roadmap for Ukraine’s support, potentially amounting to “hundreds of billions of euros.” He stressed that Hungary would resist any efforts that compel its citizens to bear the financial burden of what he called “senseless support” for Kyiv or accelerated EU accession.

The European Commission has remained steadfast in framing its financial and military backing for Ukraine as essential to safeguarding European stability. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently reiterated the continued threat posed by Russia, reinforcing the EU’s position that supporting Ukraine is a strategic imperative.

By Vafa Guliyeva