Confirmation of 500 million euro military support and doubling of Ukrainian military training scale
Russia promotes introduction of additional price cap system for petroleum products… Establishment of the International Center for Criminal Prosecution in The Hague
The European Union (EU) reaffirmed its firm support policy as it successively announced additional military aid measures one day before the summit with Ukraine.
On the contrary, it showed unwavering unity ahead of the first anniversary of the war, such as deciding to promote the 10th sanctions package along with additional oil-related sanctions against Russia.
Soon after, the EU is expected to unleash additional packages of aid at a summit with Ukraine.
◇ Accelerate the introduction of Leopard 2… Provide special training
On the 2nd (local time), the EU Council confirmed a plan to provide additional military aid to Ukraine in the amount of 500 million euros (about 670 billion won) through the European Peace Fund (EPF).
EU member states also decided to add 45 million euros (about 60.7 billion won) to the budget for the “Military Training Mission” (EUMAM) for the Ukrainian armed forces.
It was decided to provide technical education and special training to accelerate the deployment of the German-made Leopard 2 tank, which Ukraine requested promptly, to the battlefield as soon as possible.
During a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Schmihal, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Josef Borrell, who is visiting Kiev, Ukraine, announced that the number of EUMAM trainees would increase from 15,000 to 30,000.
It is also said that the EU has agreed to provide 25 million euros (about 33.6 billion won) to clear landmines that threaten the Ukrainian people.
After Russia’s invasion, a minefield of 250,000 square kilometers, the world’s largest, was created in Ukraine, threatening the lives of residents and disrupting agriculture, one of its main industries.
◇ Target to implement additional sanctions package by the first anniversary of the war
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who visited Ukraine for the fourth time since the war, emphasized tougher sanctions against Russia.
Von der Leyen said at a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that the Group of Seven (G7) countries would introduce additional price caps on Russian petroleum products.
“We are aiming to implement the 10th sanctions package by February 24, the first anniversary of the war,” it added.
Von der Leyen also said that an international center for the prosecution of crimes in Ukraine will be established in The Hague, Netherlands.
It also revealed its will to strengthen solidarity with the EU and Ukraine.
Chairman Von der Leyen said, “I am relieved” about Ukraine’s anti-corruption policy and “I commend President Zelensky for responding quickly to ensure that the fight against corruption brings concrete results.”
In addition, Von der Leyen proposed that Ukraine participate in the EU joint gas procurement system, saying, “We want to make full use of the power of the common market.”
◇ Additional bundles expected at the 3rd meeting… EU accession issue ‘cautious’
Chairman von der Leyen is scheduled to hold a summit meeting with President Zelensky along with EU Council President Charles Michel on the 3rd.
At the meeting, additional support measures and cooperation plans are expected to come out, such as tariff-free benefits for Ukrainian exports and cooperation in the renewable energy sector.
Shortly after arriving in Kieu, Von der Leyen tweeted: “We are here to show that the EU will always stand with Ukraine unwaveringly.”
The issue of joining Ukraine as a formal member of the EU, which is currently a candidate for membership in the EU, is also likely to be dealt with as important.
Ukraine applied for EU membership on February 28, right after Russia invaded last year, and the EU decided to grant Ukraine candidate status for EU accession on June 23.
However, it is predicted that official accession to the EU will take several years in the process of actual negotiations and approval.
Croatia, which most recently joined the EU in 2013, took about 10 years from application to accession.
Uraktive, an EU media outlet, reported that there was a difference of opinion within the EU over the phrase related to Ukraine’s joining the EU in the joint declaration at the summit.
/yunhap news
