Italy, Spain not ready to back EU plan to boost Ukraine military aid

18/3/2025 6:23

Italy and Spain made clear on Monday they were not ready to back a European Union proposal to pledge up to 40 billion euros ($43.67 billion) in military aid for Ukraine this year, with each country contributing according to the size of its economy.



The proposal by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas could mean a doubling of EU military support for Ukraine in its war against Russia's invasion as the bloc and its members gave some 20 billion euros in 2024.



EU officials say it is vital to keep backing Ukraine on the battlefield amid uncertainty over the future of U.S. support under Donald Trump's administration, which has ended Russia's diplomatic isolation and is pressing both sides to negotiate.



U.S. President Trump said he would speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday about ending the war.



After a meeting on Monday of foreign ministers from the EU's 27 countries in Brussels, Kallas said her proposal had "broad political support" and discussions were now going into details.