EU has already directed €400 mn from immobilised Russian assets at acquiring weapons for Ukraine – Ambassador Mathernová

The EU has already allocated €400 million from the proceeds of immobilised Russian assets to support the Ukrainian defence industry, and this support will continue, said the Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernová.

“However, most notable, €400 million has been given directly to the Ukrainian defence industry. The Ukrainian defence industry can produce faster and cheaper, and there are the added benefits of cutting out international logistics and transport channels, and supporting the Ukrainian economy,” said the ambassador in an exclusive interview for Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

She reminded that Denmark was the leader in this process, through which these funds were directed to the Ukrainian defence industry. “Denmark was the first, and that’s why we turned to them to help us with the channelling of the proceeds from the immobilised assets, in total €400 million for the purchase of Ukraine-sourced weaponry. And there will be more, said the EU ambassador. Mathernová added that while a final decision is pending, the allocation of funds for the Ukrainian defence industry will increase beyond the current amount.

“Of the 18 Bohdan [wheeled self-propelled howitzers] that they have purchased, ⅔ were financed by the EU from the proceeds of the Russian assets,” shared Mathernová

She also expressed hope that other countries would follow suit and “use the incredible innovation that’s happening in Ukraine, in this area, as a platform for financing.”

Separately, in this context, the ambassador emphasized the importance of the fact that on September 17, the President of the European Commission nominated Lithuanian Andrius Kubilius for the position of European Commissioner for the Defence Industry. This position is new in the European Commission, and Kubilius, as Mathernova added, is a “very great friend of Ukraine.” “He will be able to connect the dots and try to stimulate better cooperation between Ukraine and the European defence industry,” the ambassador said.

interfax