A European Union proposal to provide up to 40 billion euros ($43.67 billion) in military aid for Ukraine this year, with each country contributing according on its economic size, was met with resistance from Italy and Spain on Monday.

As the organization and its members provided about 20 billion euros in 2024, the plan by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas might result in a doubling of EU military assistance for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion.

In light of the uncertainties surrounding the future of US support under Donald Trump’s administration, which has lifted Russia’s diplomatic isolation and is pressuring both sides to engage in negotiations, the EU stated that it is imperative to continue supporting Ukraine on the battlefield.

US President Trump had said that he would speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday about ending the war.

Kallas stated that her idea had widespread political support and that talks were now moving into specifics following a meeting of foreign ministers from the 27 EU member states in Brussels on Monday.

According to officials, northern and eastern European nations strongly support the initiative.

As a percentage of their economies, several southern European capitals have apparently been more circumspect, indicating a divide between countries that are closer to Russia and have provided more aid to Ukraine and those that are farther away and have provided less.