The EU will allocate €1 billion from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's defense.

The EU is directing extraordinary revenues from Russian assets frozen after the start of the Russian aggression to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities. In particular, €1 billion from the second tranche is proposed to be directed towards the development of the Ukrainian defense industry directly in Ukraine.

This was stated in Strasbourg at the plenary session of the European Parliament dedicated to supporting Ukraine in countering the Russian war by the European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reinders.

'We have mobilized €1.5 billion in extraordinary revenues from frozen Russian assets, 90% of this first tranche will be directed through the European Peace Fund for the delivery of priority equipment (to Ukraine), including artillery shells and air defense systems, and for the first Time - for direct orders from the Ukrainian defense industry. From the next tranche, which is also expected to be €1.5 billion, we proposed to allocate €1 billion for the Ukrainian industry,' noted Reinders.

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU has mobilized about €45.5 billion for military support, of which €6.1 billion was directed through the European Peace Fund. This helps the EU provide Ukraine with a wide range of weapons it needs to repel aggression. In particular, Ukraine has currently received F-16 fighter jets thanks to the initiative of the Netherlands, Denmark, and other European countries.

'The European Union has committed and delivered (to Ukraine) 1 million artillery shells. At the same time, it has increased the defense production of its own industry. This has improved production capacities, which not only helps provide long-term assistance to Ukraine but also replenishes our own stocks. By helping Ukraine, we are also building our own security,' noted a European Commission representative.

The EU and its member states are conducting training for Ukrainian servicemen and intend to achieve the set goal of training 75 thousand troops for the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) by the end of winter.

'At the same time, we know that the current level of assistance we have provided is insufficient to tilt the situation on the battlefield in favor of Ukraine. We know that Russia has put its entire economy on military rails and relies on military assistance from North Korea and Iran, as well as significant support from China. We must increase our assistance for Ukraine,' emphasized Reinders.

He noted that Ukraine urgently needs more air defense systems, ammunition, and long-range weapons. According to him, the European Union will continue coordination with member states to increase such deliveries to Ukraine and adapt this assistance to Ukraine's urgent needs.

'The EU will continue to work with member states to provide all necessary political, military, and financial assistance that Ukraine needs to win. It is very important to continue such assistance during the war. At the same time, we must also fight against impunity to bring to justice those responsible for the crime of aggression to ensure that Russia pays all compensation for the harm caused by the aggression against Ukraine. We will continue actions to ensure accountability of the Russian authorities for all crimes committed in Ukraine,' said Reinders.