Poland on Friday became the first country to sign a loan agreement with the European Commission aimed at funding the modernisation of its armed forces and defence industry, under which it will receive nearly €44 billion ($52 billion).

German Finance Minister Christian Lindner has warned Defense Minister Boris Pistorius that no additional funds will be provided to modernize the armed forces beyond what has already been agreed upon by the coalition government, News.Az reports citing Reuters.

NATO plans to appoint a senior official in charge of long-term support for Ukraine, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources.