EU to Continue Military Aid to Ukraine Even If Ceasefire Is Reached, DW Reports

The European Union will continue supplying weapons to Ukraine even if a 30-day ceasefire is established, aiming to strengthen Ukraine’s position in negotiations and prevent a potential new Russian offensive, DW reports, citing European diplomats on March 14.

“EU leaders aim to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position for peace negotiations and can reject an unfavorable deal while choosing the right moment for dialogue,” a Brussels-based diplomat said.

Several diplomats agreed that the EU and its member states should continue supplying weapons to Ukraine, even if Russia demands a halt as a condition for a truce. They emphasized that rather than scaling back support, Ukraine should be further armed during any pause in fighting.

“Combat operations are ongoing, but even if there is a temporary pause, Ukraine must become a steel porcupine,” one EU representative noted.

The upcoming EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on March 17 will discuss the potential ceasefire, with European leaders reiterating that Ukraine’s defense is directly tied to the security of the EU. Officials stress that the bloc must play a key role in shaping Europe’s security landscape.

EU foreign ministers are also set to discuss a military aid package proposed by European Commission Executive Vice President Kaja Kallas. The proposal outlines a new funding initiative ranging from €20 billion to €40 billion to support Ukraine’s defense needs through 2025.

The package would finance artillery shells, air defense systems, and missile supplies, as well as the training and equipping of Ukrainian military brigades. While initial discussions did not specify an exact amount, the revised proposal sets a minimum threshold of €20 billion.

“Twenty billion euros match the EU’s 2024 support package for Ukraine, while €40 billion could compensate for a potential reduction in U.S. assistance, which totaled €16 billion this year,” a European diplomat explained.

Previously, Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to the Head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, stated that if a 30-day ceasefire were to take effect, martial law would remain in place, and elections would not be held.