Belgium is increasing its security cooperation with Ukraine and plans to deliver F-16 fighter jets.
After countries such as Germany, Great Britain, France and Spain, Belgium also wants to conclude an agreement on bilateral security cooperation with Ukraine this Tuesday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to meet Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo this morning to sign the document, the government announced in Brussels. A visit to the Melsbroek military airport is planned around midday, where Zelensky will be informed about the preparations for the delivery of F-16 fighter jets.
Belgium, like the Netherlands and Denmark, is one of the countries that have long since promised to hand over aircraft to Ukraine, which has been attacked by Russia. The first aircraft are to be delivered this year if possible.
The agreement on security agreements was initiated by members of the G7 group of Western economic powers. On the sidelines of the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania last year, they agreed that individual states should conclude bilateral agreements with Ukraine to ensure its long-term security. Countries such as Great Britain, Germany and France started in January and February. Spain followed last on Monday.
The agreements guarantee Ukraine, among other things, arms supplies, financial aid and political cooperation. They are intended to help bridge the time until the country’s desired accession to NATO. Germany, for example, has pledged to continue and expand its military support to Ukraine, including through further arms deliveries and the training of Ukrainian soldiers.
Negotiations between the USA and Ukraine are not yet complete. Zelenskyj had recently said that details were still being worked out.