Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo signed a ten-year bilateral security agreement on Tuesday in Brussels.
The pact includes a commitment of nearly one billion euros in military aid for Ukraine this year, along with the delivery of 30 F-16 fighter jets by 2028. The first batch of F-16s is anticipated to arrive later this year, dependent on Belgium receiving its replacement F-35 jets.
During his visit, Zelensky met with Belgian F-16 specialists at the Melsbroek military airport and held discussions with King Philippe.
This visit is part of President Zelensky’s European tour, following a recent stop in Spain where he signed a bilateral agreement with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez this Monday, May 27. Similar to the pact made with Belgium, this agreement commits Spain to provide Ukraine with 1 billion euros in military aid for the current year. Additionally, the aid package includes critical military assets such as missiles for Patriot air-defense systems and Leopard tanks.
The Bilateral Security Agreement signed in Belgium marks the 11th such pact, following agreements with nations including Britain, Germany, France, Canada, and of course Spain.
President Zelensky’s next destination on his European tour is Portugal.
