According to figures released by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, the UK contributed $ 3.72bn (£ 3.1bn) in military aid to Ukraine, second only to the US which contributed $ 25.45bn (£ 29.56bn). The figures revealed that some of the largest EU countries fell short of their promises, with Italy and France contributing just $ 0.11bn and $ 0.16bn respectively.
By sharing the data, the French newspaper Liberations’ Europe correspondent, Jean Quatremer, said the findings were rather “embarrassing” for Emmanuel Macron, who claimed to be the “king of the show”.
The French reporter said: “What an embarrassment for Emmanuel Macron who is still the king of the program.
“Without the Anglo-Saxons, Russia would have won a long time ago.
“And the incredible effort of small countries …”
This comes while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he has held further talks with Boris Johnson on the latest situation in Ukraine.
Mr Zelensky tweeted: “Thank you (Mr Johnson) for the unwavering support of – the recent decision to provide £ 1 billion in security assistance and today’s – £ 100 million.
“Talked about food security for the world and security guarantees for Ukraine.”
Today, an international conference to support Ukraine following the devastating Russian invasion set out a series of principles to steer Kiev’s recovery and condemn Moscow’s actions.
Representatives from more than 40 countries and international organizations such as the European Investment Bank and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) signed the Lugano Declaration at the two-day conference in Switzerland.
Signatories, including the United States, Britain, France and Japan, condemned Russia’s military aggression “in the strongest terms” and urged Moscow to withdraw its troops without delay.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops to Ukraine in February in what he called a “special military operation”. The West calls it an unprovoked attack.
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They also call for multi-stakeholder engagement, gender equality, inclusion and sustainability.
“Effective and transparent governance by Ukraine and effective and vigorous coordination between donors and with the government are critical to recovery,” Alfred Kammer, Director of the International Monetary Fund’s European Department, said at the conference.
“The implementation of reforms by Ukraine to strengthen institutions and public policy will support the transformation of the economy and growth and increase the living standards of the Ukrainian people.”