The European Union will 'finance the purchase and delivery of weapons' to Ukraine, marking the first time in the bloc's history that it will send arms to a country under attack.
Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets.The EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said during the Q&A portion of a press conference that member states will provide fighter jets to Ukraine, not just ammunition.
"[Ukrainian Foreign] Minister Kuleba has been asking us that they need the kind of fighter jets that the Ukrainian army is able to operate. And we know what kind of planes, and some member states have these kind of planes," Borell said, in what's likely a reference to Soviet-era jets possessed by Eastern European countries.
"President Zelensky's leadership and his bravery, and the resilience of the Ukrainian people, are outstanding and impressive. They are an inspiration for all of us," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling the new policy a "watershed moment." The news was met with celebration on official Ukrainian Telegram channels, which touted it as another sign that the Western world isIn addition to the centralized EU program, individual member states are taking their own steps to provide Ukraine with military aid and humanitarian assistance.
5,000 anti-tank weapons, 5,000 helmets, 5,000 body shields and 135,000 field rations — as well as $50 million in funding directly to the Ukrainian military.