EU top diplomat admits inability to deliver arms to Ukraine amid his stepdown

Josep Borrell, who is set to step down as the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on December 1, has acknowledged that he will not be able to fulfil his earlier promise to facilitate the supply of arms to Ukraine through the European Peace Facility (EPF).

In a statement upon arriving for a meeting of EU foreign ministers, Borrell confirmed that securing the necessary approval to unblock more than €5 billion in arms deliveries to Ukraine would not be possible during his remaining time in office, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

"Unfortunately, I will no longer be able to make a final offer on the European Peace Facility," Borrell said, referring to the EU's funding mechanism designed to support military assistance to Ukraine.

Borrell had previously assured that, by the end of his mandate, he would be able to unlock the arms supplies that have been delayed for over a year due to Hungary's veto. Budapest has consistently blocked the release of funds from the European Peace Facility, citing political and strategic concerns.

By Vafa Guliyeva