Biden announces US aid package for Ukraine, EU Commission recommends starting accession talks with Kyiv - Friday brief

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Biden announces new $225 million weapons package for Ukraine

During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in France, US President Joe Biden announced a new military aid package for Ukraine. It includes arms worth $225 million.

The contents of the package were officially published on the website of the US Department of Defense:

• Missiles for HAWK air defense systems;
• Stinger anti-aircraft missiles;
• Ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);
• 155mm Howitzers;
• 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds;
• 81mm mortar systems;
• M113 Armored Personnel Carriers;
• Trailers to transport heavy equipment;
• Coastal and riverine patrol boats;
• Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles;
• Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems;
• Small arms ammunition and grenades;
• Demolitions munitions;
• Night vision devices; and
• Spare parts, maintenance, and other ancillary equipment.

European Commission recommends starting accession talks with Ukraine

The European Commission called on European Union member states to begin negotiations on the integration of Ukraine and Moldova.

According to the European Commission, Ukraine and Moldova are sufficiently prepared for the formal start of negotiations on EU accession.

Ukraine, in turn, has fully completed all four reform steps, while Moldova has completed three. Reforms were necessary to start official negotiations.

NATO instructors in Ukraine: Macron makes statement

"On the issue of instructors on the territory of Ukraine, we talked about it on February 26, if you remember. Zelenskyy and his defense minister clearly expressed Ukraine's needs. Ukraine is mobilizing many more people today, and they will need to be trained more effectively on Ukrainian territory. This is a legitimate measure," French President Emmanuel Macron said.

Macron added that France is not at war with Russia, doesn't want escalation, but wants to do everything to help Ukraine defend itself. The President of France does not consider training Ukrainian soldiers on sovereign Ukrainian territory as an escalation.

"Why should we submit to Russia, which will decide that we have no right to send instructors? We do not agree with these red lines. Thirdly, we have decided that we want to have a coalition, and many of our partners have already agreed," explained the President of France.

Training of Ukrainian pilots on Mirage 2000 to begin in coming days - Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that he would not disclose any new details about the delivery of Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine, including the number of planned deliveries.

"The priority is to start training pilots and mechanics. This is something that will be launched in France in the coming days. It will take place on our territory,” the French president added.

Ukraine expects partial write-off of its $20 billion debt - Ministry of Finance

The Ukrainian government is negotiating with holders of international bonds to restructure its $20 billion debt and is discussing partial debt write-off.

Ukraine agreed to a two-year freeze on payments for its international bonds in the early days of Russia's large-scale invasion in February 2022. Now, Kyiv wants to maintain access to international markets and seeks to negotiate a new deal before the freeze ends in August.

Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko said that Ukraine is currently negotiating restructuring with creditors, and this specifically involves partial debt write-offs.

Reuters reports that private bondholders are conducting limited negotiations with the government. This move, which establishes temporary trading restrictions, usually signals significant progress in negotiations.

However, data from the International Monetary Fund will not be officially available until the consultation period ends, meaning the likelihood of reaching an agreement during this period is very low.

Germany considering transfer of another Patriot battery to Ukraine - Bloomberg

The German government is discussing the possibility of sending another Patriot air defense system to Ukraine.

According to Bloomberg sources, another Patriot system is supposed to complement the three batteries from Germany, two of which are already in Ukraine, and the third Berlin promised to provide in April.

Bloomberg's informants note that a final decision on transferring the fourth Patriot system from Germany to Ukraine has not yet been made.