Experts estimate cost of latest EU military aid package for Ukraine

The cost of implementing the European Union's (EU) latest plan for additional military aid to Ukraine is estimated to cost approximately €6 billion.

The European Union is working on an initiative to provide Ukraine with additional military support as soon as possible this year, including the supply of 1.5 million artillery shells and further air defense systems. According to the Politico publication, citing diplomatic sources within the EU, this will require an investment of approx. €3.5 billion while an additional €500 million is planned for air defense systems. The remaining €2 billion will be allocated for equipping and training two Ukrainian brigades.

The publication believes that the plan could be unveiled ahead of the 3rd anniversary of the launch of Russia's military assault on Ukraine, February 23. Around the same time, EU foreign ministers are set to meet in Brussels while EU commissioners will be visiting Kyiv to commomerate the date. However, it remains unclear which EU member states will be in support of the package and whether it can be implemented.

Reports on this initiative came following US President Donald Trump's administration's fortright calls for Europe to take on a greater role in security and military support for Ukraine.

In the meanwhile, Vilnius has prepared its first military aid package for Ukraine of the new year.

According to an announcement by Lithuania’s Ministry of Defense, cited by Lithuanian media, the cost of the "first package, which will be delivered gradually, is €80 million, or about half of our 2025 aid."

Defense Ministry representative Asta Galdikaitė informed the public that this package will be supplied throughout the year, which will provide Ukraine with air defense systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and counter-UAV systems, ammunition, army equipment, and military transport vehicles.

Since the beginning of the Ukraine crisis, Lithuania has provided financial assistance worth over €1.5 billion, including €767 million in military aid.

By Nazrin Sadigova