European nations have pledged over $24 billion in new military support for Ukraine amid mounting battlefield pressure from Russia, while a U.S. envoy met with President Vladimir Putin to push for a ceasefire, reports AP.
At a meeting in Brussels on Friday, British Defense Secretary John Healey announced that Ukraine’s Western allies committed more than 21 billion euros ($24 billion) in fresh aid, calling it a “record boost” aimed at urgently reinforcing Ukraine’s defenses.
“Support is surging to the frontline fight,” Healey said after chairing the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at NATO headquarters. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov hailed the conference as “productive” and said it resulted in “one of the largest packages of assistance” to date.
However, Ukraine has previously criticized such pledges, noting that some countries reannounce old commitments or delay deliveries.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said last week that around $21 billion in support had already been delivered in the first quarter of 2025. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas updated the figure on Friday, saying over $26 billion has been committed.
US Envoy Pushes Peace Proposal
While military support surges, diplomatic efforts are also underway. In Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy, is visiting Russia to negotiate a ceasefire.
Witkoff, seen meeting Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev in footage broadcast by Russian media, is expected to have direct talks with Putin in St. Petersburg.
Putin has reportedly agreed “in principle” to a U.S. ceasefire proposal, but Russian officials insist that more discussions are needed.
The State Department emphasized its commitment to diplomacy despite Russia’s delay. Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said Thursday, “Nothing else can be discussed until the shooting and the killing stops.”
The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, assessed that Moscow is using bilateral talks to stall negotiations, raising doubts about the Kremlin’s genuine willingness to end the conflict.
New Weapons and Air Defenses for Ukraine
On the ground, Ukraine remains vulnerable, especially after a recent missile strike killed 20 people, including nine children, in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s hometown. Zelenskyy joined Friday’s meeting via video, repeating his plea for more Patriot missile systems.
New aid packages announced include:
- Britain and Norway: $580 million for military drones, radar systems, anti-tank mines, and armored vehicle repairs.
- Germany: Four IRIS-T air defense systems and 30 additional Patriot missiles.
- The Netherlands: Delivery of a Hawkeye airborne early warning system.
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur stressed the urgency, warning that Russia may seek a settlement by May 9, when Moscow celebrates Victory Day. Pevkur called for rapid delivery of promised weapons.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and others expect Russia to launch a new offensive soon, hoping to strengthen its position before serious peace talks.
US Warns Europe to Shoulder More of the Burden
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not attend the Brussels meeting in person, participating instead via video. He reiterated Washington’s stance that Europe must take the lead in securing Ukraine, as America shifts focus toward Asia and its own borders.
At the last meeting in February, Hegseth warned Europe that U.S. support would not be limitless, and that Ukraine’s security was increasingly Europe’s responsibility.
