In a move to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities, the European Union (EU) has approved to send €1.4 billion in weaponry and industrial aid, bypassing Hungary, which has obstructed military assistance to the war-torn country for over a year. The aid will be sourced from the €210 billion assets of Russia's Central Bank that the bloc has immobilized as part of its sanctions against Russia.

The decision to provide financial support to Ukraine was made after foreign affairs ministers sealed a deal on Monday. It was agreed upon in March that 90% of the revenues generated from the immobilized Russian assets will go towards acquiring military equipment, while the remaining 10% will be allocated for reconstruction projects.

Of the expected €2.5 billion to be earned from the paralysed assets this year, the €1.4 billion is the first tranche to be sent to Ukraine. This aid comes at a crucial time as Ukraine grapples with containing the renewed aggression from Russian troops in the East and seeks assistance from its Western allies to replenish its military resources.

Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, emphasized the importance of strengthening Ukraine's air defenses, providing ammunition, and supporting the development of their own industrial capacities. Borrell highlighted that Russian attacks, predominantly targeting energy infrastructure, aim to demonstrate Ukraine's vulnerability, while the EU is determined to prove its unwavering support for Ukraine.

However, Hungary's veto still poses a challenge to implementing this decision, as unanimity is crucial for foreign policy decisions within the EU. As the aid is financed by immobilized assets to which Hungary did not contribute, the EU argues that it has the right to allocate the funds without Hungary's participation. The specific mechanism to bypass Hungary's veto was not immediately clarified and will require further elaboration.

While the €1.4 billion aid package was approved, ministers did not find a resolution to the year-long deadlock surrounding the European Peace Facility (EPF). Hungary's persistent veto has resulted in a €6.6 billion backlog in the EPF, signaling a public embarrassment for the EU. The EPF impasse is expected to be addressed during the high-stakes EU summit in Brussels, where leaders will convene later this week.

The EU's commitment to bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities against Russian aggression remains steadfast, with the €1.4 billion aid package serving as a crucial step towards achieving that goal.