The EU may allow Ukraine to purchase British weapons using funds from a large-scale aid package
The European Union is considering granting Ukraine the right to purchase British-made weapons using funds from a new financial support package. This involves the use of 60 billion euros, which is part of the military component of the EU’s overall 90-billion-euro loan package.
According to media reports, this mechanism would allow Kyiv to expand its options for purchasing modern weapons, particularly from the United Kingdom. A final decision has not yet been made, but the initiative is part of the EU’s plans to further strengthen military support for Ukraine.
Sources claim that after months of negotiations, the EU is close to concluding an agreement with the British government that will allow British companies to participate in this program.
According to them, this announcement is likely to be made as early as next week at a meeting in Paris, which will bring together the countries of the “Coalition of the Resolute.”
The sources noted that, on behalf of the UK, the British government will make a financial contribution as Ukraine decides to use the loan to purchase military equipment from British companies.
According to them, the amount of the contribution will be determined by the cost of each contract and the interest payments.
This agreement is seen as a conciliatory move by the EU after both sides previously failed to reach an agreement on the UK’s accession to the EU’s €150 billion SAFE defense fund, and negotiations had reached an impasse due to the EU’s demands for an access fee from the UK.
The UK and some EU member states were disappointed by this outcome—which, according to British officials, was derailed by France.
According to them, negotiations on a loan for Ukraine proceeded much more smoothly: member states, particularly the Netherlands, were especially insistent on reaching a quick agreement, and there was broad recognition that this would benefit Ukraine by making it easier for the country to purchase British weapons as the defense industries of both countries became more integrated.
This was reported to Bloomberg by informed sources.
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