Ukraine has asked the European Union for €6.6 billion in military aid, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing a letter from Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
"Ukraine asks partners in the European Union to allocate €6.6 billion available for military aid through the European Peace Facility, thus using a six-to-nine-month window of opportunity on the battlefield," the agency's website said.
The agency, citing Fedorov's letter, reported that Ukraine's total defense needs amount to approximately €136 billion, while Ukraine's budget covers only €53 billion.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday that the European Commission has begun allocating a promised €6 billion tranche for the purchase of drones for Ukraine, with the first €3.9 billion transferred on Tuesday.
Russia believes that arms supplies to Ukraine hinder conflict resolution and directly involve NATO countries in the conflict. The Kremlin stated that Western arming of Ukraine negatively affects negotiations and has negative consequences.