Belgium is buying 200 million euros' worth of ammunition for Ukraine through a European group purchase. An additional 334 million euros will also be released to pay for weapons.
The war that Russia unleashed two years ago is not going well for Ukraine. Western aid - essential for the country - is drying up, weapons and ammunition are in short supply and the army is having to withdraw in several places.
Last weekend, PM De Croo (Flemish liberal) delivered an inspired speech to the Ukrainian parliament. As prime minister of the country that currently holds the presidency of the EU council, he promised more support. His words were met with a standing ovation.
"Three days later we are providing an answer," Mr De Croo said today. Belgium is stepping into the European ammunition procurement initiative, coordinated by the Czech Republic. Belgium is investing 200 million euros to buy 155mm artillery ammunition. This will allow the purchase of around 50,000 pieces.
Besides Belgium, the UK, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Canada have already joined the purchase. The ammunition will be delivered to Ukraine before the end of March, Mr De Croo said.
Cash generated by seized Russian assets
In addition to the 200 million invested in the European purchase, the Belgian defence ministry will release a further 334 million euros for Ukraine. This involves ammunition from its own stock or ammunition that Belgium will buy itself. Investments will also be made in medical equipment, armoured ambulances, reconnaissance drones and the F-16 fighter jet coalition.
Interest on Russian assets seized in Belgium will pay for the outlay.
No Belgian boots on the ground
Mr De Croo also stressed that Belgium does not intend to send ground troops to Ukraine. The Belgian leader was responding to the words of French President Emmanuel Macron, who earlier this week said that he did not rule out western troops in Ukraine.
"The priority is to deliver ammunition as soon as possible," Mr De Croo said. "That was Ukraine's request. I share the concerns of other leaders, but I think above all we have to come up with answers."