Council agrees on further support under the European Peace Facility

The Council today adopted additional assistance measures under the European Peace Facility (EPF) to further support the capabilities and resilience of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. With this, the EU is further stepping up its support to Ukraine to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders of their country, and protect the civilian population against the ongoing Russian war of aggression.

The sixth tranche worth €500 million will now bring the total EU contribution under the EPF for Ukraine to €3.1 billion.

The mobilisation of an additional €500 million by EU member states is yet another proof that we remain steadfast in our support to the Ukrainian armed forces to defend the country against the escalating illegal aggression. Russia’s latest indiscriminate attacks on Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure are another proof of Russia’s complete disrespect for human rights and international law. The EU will continue supporting Ukraine as long as it takes and as long as is needed.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

The scope of the equipment to be provided in the new support package is in line with the current priorities as expressed by the Ukrainian government. In this light, the assistance measures consist of €490 million for military equipment designed to deliver lethal force for defensive purposes, as well as €10 million intended to cover the provision of equipment and supplies, such as personal protective equipment, first aid kits, and fuel. In addition, both assistance measures will also allow for the provision of maintenance and repair of already donated military equipment by EU member states to Ukraine under the EPF.

Background

Previous assistance measures under the EPF for Ukraine were agreed on 28 February, 23 March, 13 April, 23 May and 21 July 2022.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine grossly violates international law and is causing massive loss of life and injury to civilians. Russia is directing its attack against the civilian population and is targeting civilian objects, including hospitals, medical facilities, schools, shelters and energy infrastructure. These war crimes must stop immediately. Those responsible, and their accomplices, will be held to account in accordance with international law.

In the face of Russia’s war of aggression as well as Moscow’s latest escalation, the European Union stands resolutely with Ukraine and its people. The EU is unwavering in its support to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Ukraine is exercising its legitimate right to defend itself against the Russian aggression to regain full control of its territory and has the right to liberate occupied territories within its internationally recognised borders. The nuclear threats made by the Kremlin, the military mobilisation and the illegal annexation of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine will not shake the EU’s resolve.

The European Union firmly stands with Ukraine and will continue to provide strong economic, military, social and financial support to Ukraine for as long as it takes.