The EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, indicated that Brussels has not yet received the next installment from the European Peace Facility earmarked for Ukraine. He spoke during a public press briefing, noting that the expected funds have not moved forward, a development he described as disappointing. Reuters has reported on his remarks, which framed this delay as a setback in the bloc’s ongoing efforts to support Kyiv with timely security assistance.
In expressing frustration, Borrell pointed to the continued blockage of the new tranche and emphasized the urgency of accelerating disbursements. He stressed that the delay risks undermining planning and objective timelines set by member states and Kyiv alike. The head of EU diplomacy underscored that the commitment to equip Ukraine should translate into prompt, tangible aid, and he called on EU governments to secure faster and larger deliveries of ammunition and related defense materials. He urged member states to translate their political promises into action by issuing concrete orders to the defense industry to meet the agreed quantities and timelines.
Earlier, Borrell had highlighted a separate objective: to finalize a broader package that would allocate five billion euros to Ukraine, with discussions underway to frame this assistance within a dedicated fund for military support spanning 2024 to 2027. He conveyed optimism that a workable agreement could be reached in the near term, allowing a predictable and steady stream of support as Ukraine continues to confront security challenges. This prospective fund would aim to provide a more structured, long-term framework for military assistance, aligning with the EU’s broader strategic objectives and regional security commitments.
At another point, reports from the European Commission referenced the status of Russian assets frozen within the Union as part of the bloc’s sanctions regime. The discussions in Brussels and among EU institutions have centered on how these assets are managed and whether their use should be expanded to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Borrell’s comments reflect the broader debate in Europe about sustaining credible deterrence and ensuring that political will translates into effective, well-coordinated aid delivery. The focus remains on maintaining unity among member states while pursuing practical steps to enhance Kyiv’s defense capacity.
In sum, the EU’s diplomatic leadership continues to advocate for quicker and more substantial fulfillment of existing commitments, alongside careful consideration of new funding mechanisms that could support Ukraine through the coming years. The objective is a reliable flow of equipment, munitions, and military support that matches the evolving security situation on the ground. As officials weigh these options, the emphasis remains on coordinated action within the European Union and clear, operational signals to defense producers and partner countries. Reuters notes that the discussions are ongoing and that the bloc remains engaged in shaping a results-oriented aid strategy that can be implemented without undue delay.