Borrell proposes using new tranche from Russian assets to purchase Ukrainian weapons

EU High Representative Josep Borrell has suggested allocating a significant portion of the upcoming second tranche of revenues from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine’s defence industry.

Borrell anticipates that by the end of the year, new military equipment deliveries to Ukraine will be financed from the profits of frozen Russian assets.

He recalled that €400 million from the first tranche of these funds was earmarked by the EU for direct investment in Ukraine’s defence industry. Borrell emphasised that the best way to support Ukraine now is to invest in the development of its defence production capabilities.

"I proposed that the last part of the second tranche of profits (from Russian assets), that will be available in March-April,will be focusing on purchasing military equipment to the benefit of Ukraine directly, directly to their own industrial capacity," he said. 

In July, the European Union announced the allocation of the first €1.5 billion tranche from the profits of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.

From the first tranche, €400 million was directed towards funding Ukrainian defence enterprises, including the production of Bohdana howitzers.

Ukraine has repeatedly urged its partners to allocate funds for producing the necessary weapons domestically through its defence industry.