EU countries seek to raise $1.5 billion to buy ammunition for Ukraine — media

23 February, 2024 Friday, 11:53

European Union countries are trying to raise $1.5 billion in emergency funding to provide Ukraine with ammunition to deter Russian aggression

The Financial Times reported the information.

According to the outlet, the Czech Republic has taken the initiative "as capitals squabble" about extending the main mechanism of military support for Ukraine from the EU.

Officials familiar with the discussions say the country needs European partners to help provide $1.5 billion for the purchase of ammunition, which the Czech Republic has been organizing since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022.

"The Czechs have done the work, but they need others to provide money," the source said, adding that some countries have already contributed.

On the night of February 13, the US Senate stopped debate on aid to Ukraine, paving the way for the main vote.
On February 13, the US Senate voted in favor of the bill to aid Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Now the decision is up to the House of Representatives.
On February 14, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson announced that Republicans have no plans to vote on the bill to help Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as the United States must take care of its own problems before solving them around the world.
On February 16, the US House of Representatives went on vacation until the end of February, and they did not vote on the bill passed by the Senate with the aid package for Ukraine.
On February 19, US President Joe Biden announced that he is ready to meet with House Speaker Mike Johnson to discuss the bill to help Ukraine.
On February 21, US President Joe Biden called the $60 billion aid package for Ukraine “one of the most powerful things to stand up to Putin” and called on House Speaker Mike Johnson to put the bill to a vote.