BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Lithuania on Sunday backed an EU proposal to pledge up to 40 billion euros ($43.5 billion) in military aid for Ukraine this year and said a similar amount would also be needed in future years to deter any future Russian attack.

The European Union should be prepared to go as far as doubling its military aid to Ukraine this year to 40 billion euros ($43 billion) if necessary, according to a discussion paper by the bloc's diplomatic service seen by Reuters on Friday.

The European Union is doubling down on its pledge to continue supporting Ukraine against Russia’s illegal invasion and stepping up humanitarian aid when others pull back as the bloc of European countries reconciles with the reality of America's retreat on the global stage.

Hours after the U.S. suspended military aid for Ukraine, the European Union proposed the fund to bolster military spending and support Kyiv.

Twenty-six European Union leaders ignored Hungary to back a declaration of support for Ukraine at an emergency meeting, underscoring the difficult road ahead as the bloc tries to adopt ambitious reforms to mobilize new support for Kyiv.

Germany is expected to allocate an additional €3 billion in military aid to Ukraine. There are no more obstacles to this, said Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Tagesschau reports.

The new initiative by Kaja Kallas is facing unresolved questions and political resistance that threaten to slow down its approval and roll-out. View on euronews