Ukraine is requesting the EU start financially supporting its armed forces beginning in 2026, pitching the thought as a sensible option to strengthen Europe's collective protection and share the price of containing Russian aggression, Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko stated on Might 22.
The EU hasn't up to now straight funded Ukraine's army, however member states present weapons and different help by way of nationwide packages and broader EU assist packages.
Marchenko stated Kyiv is proposing a brand new mannequin: European companions would assist fund the Ukrainian army, and in return, Ukraine can be additional built-in into the continent's protection system.
"I’m satisfied that this determination has numerous strategic benefits for Ukraine, together with sustaining monetary stability in 2026 and past," Marchenko stated in an announcement following conferences with G7 finance leaders in Canada.
"And for the EU — safety from potential Russian aggression. In spite of everything, the Ukrainian military has all of the expertise crucial for this."
Beneath the proposal, the price of supporting Ukraine's army would symbolize solely a small fraction of the EU's mixed GDP, Marchenko stated, and may very well be shared amongst nations prepared to take part. These contributions might depend towards NATO protection spending targets.
"Over the previous three years, Ukraine has obtained greater than $133 billion in worldwide monetary support," he stated. "This assist enabled the federal government to protect macro-financial stability throughout full-scale struggle, guarantee wage funds to academics, medical doctors, and public servants, and proceed pensions and social assist for essentially the most susceptible."
"The monetary system nonetheless faces challenges, which makes continued exterior assist completely vital," the minister stated.
With struggle nonetheless raging and Russia displaying no indicators of backing down, Marchenko argued that relying solely on increase nationwide armies throughout Europe might take years and require monumental assets.
U.S. President Donald Trump proposed a full ceasefire in March. Ukraine instantly agreed, and the plan was supported by European leaders.
Russia has persistently refused, culminating in a telephone name on Might 19 between Trump and President Vladimir Putin, throughout which Putin as soon as once more rejected the proposal and as a substitute demanded a "memorandum concerning a possible future peace treaty."
On Might 16, Russia initiated peace talks in Istanbul however despatched solely a low-level delegation led by Putin aide Vladimir Medinsky and reiterated calls for that Kyiv cede Crimea and 4 jap areas. President Putin and Lavrov had been each absent.
Not too long ago, Russian Overseas Minister Sergey Lavrov nearly confirmed Moscow has little interest in negotiations or a ceasefire, saying on Might 21 that "we don't need this anymore."
The Kyiv IndependentAndreas Umland