Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in Belgium for a surprise visit. Following that visit, the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs announced that Belgium will deliver no fewer than 30 F16s to Ukraine by 2028. The first F16s will already be delivered this year.
Zelensky landed at Zaventem airport on Monday evening. A meeting with Prime Minister De Croo and the king is planned for Tuesday. De Croo and Minister of Defense Ludivine Dedonder (PS) will also welcome Zelensky on Tuesday at the military airport of Melsbroek, where he will receive more explanation about the operation of F16s.
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Bilateral agreement
Meanwhile, on X, Zelensky also announced that he signed a bilateral agreement for security and long-term support between Ukraine and Belgium in Brussels together with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.
According to the Ukrainian president, the document also includes Belgium’s commitment to support the country during the ten-year term of the agreement.
“For the first time, such an agreement specifies the exact number of F-16 fighter aircraft – 30 – that will be delivered to Ukraine until 2028. The agreement guarantees timely Belgian assistance in the field of security, modern armored vehicles, equipment to meet Ukrainian needs in the areas of air power and air defense, maritime security, mine clearance, coalition participation for artillery ammunition and military training,” Zelenskiy wrote on X.
At least 977 million euros in Belgian military aid for Ukraine this year
“The document also provides for industrial cooperation in the field of defense, support for Ukraine’s Peace Formula, strengthening sanctions against Russia, compensation, justice for the aggressor, use of frozen Russian assets and economic recovery. Ukraine and Belgium will also deepen their cooperation in the areas of intelligence, cybersecurity and countering disinformation. Belgium also expresses its support for Ukraine’s future EU and NATO membership. I thank Prime Minister De Croo, his government and all Belgians for their unwavering and long-term commitment support to Ukraine.”
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