Ukraine and Belgium recently signed a bilateral security pact, with Belgium committing €977 million in military aid and the delivery of 30 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. The agreement, signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, aims to provide long-term support to Ukraine over the next ten years. This pact is significant as it outlines specific provisions for Belgium’s support, including modern armoured vehicles, air force and air defence equipment, naval security, and military training. Additionally, the deal includes plans for defence industry cooperation, endorsing Ukraine’s Peace Formula, and strengthening sanctions against Russia.
Zelenskyy emphasized that the agreement ensures Belgium’s timely security assistance, with the first batch of F-16 fighter jets set to arrive in Ukraine this year. The Ukrainian president visited Belgium to seek Western support for his country, which has been heavily impacted by the ongoing conflict with Russia. During his visit, Zelenskyy met with Belgian military instructors who are helping train Ukrainian pilots to operate the US-made jets. Belgium, along with other European allies, is committed to providing fighter aircraft to Ukraine as part of a broader initiative to bolster its defence capabilities.
In addition to the military aid from Belgium, Zelenskyy recently secured a pledge from Spain for additional air defence missiles to help protect Ukraine from the approximately 3,000 bombs that Russia fires at the country each month. Despite these efforts, Zelenskyy stressed the need for US-made Patriot air defence systems to counter Russian attacks on critical infrastructure and civilian areas. The Ukrainian leader believes that with the Patriot systems in place, Russian planes would be unable to get close enough to drop bombs on Ukrainian territories.
The bilateral security pact between Ukraine and Belgium underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing security challenges. The agreement highlights the commitment of Belgium to supporting Ukraine’s efforts to defend against external threats and promote peace and stability in the region. By providing military aid and fighter jets, Belgium is playing a crucial role in enhancing Ukraine’s defence capabilities and strengthening its position in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions. The collaboration between the two countries demonstrates a shared commitment to upholding shared values and protecting the sovereignty of Ukraine.
The visit of President Zelenskyy to Belgium and Spain highlights the strategic importance of seeking support from Western allies to address security concerns and counter threats from hostile nations. By engaging with countries like Belgium and Spain, Ukraine is able to access much-needed resources and capabilities to enhance its defensive posture and deter potential aggressors. The recent agreements with Belgium and Spain signify a step forward in Ukraine’s efforts to secure vital military equipment and technology to safeguard its borders and protect its citizens from external threats.
In conclusion, the bilateral security pact between Ukraine and Belgium represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities and enhance its security posture. The support from Belgium, including military aid and fighter jets, will enable Ukraine to better protect its territory and respond to evolving security challenges effectively. By forging partnerships with like-minded nations and leveraging international cooperation, Ukraine is positioning itself to confront threats from adversarial states and maintain stability in the region. The commitments made by Belgium and Spain to assist Ukraine underscore the value of solidarity and collaboration in addressing complex security issues and promoting peace and security in Europe.
