EU Foreign Policy Chief, Josep Borrell has called for the bloc to step up its defence efforts in the face of greater threats as well as to support Ukraine militarily.
Given that Europe’s security situation was an “existential crisis,” Borrell noted the lack of urgency in finding new ways to ramp up defence investment.
He suggested, “We need a new intergovernmental financing vehicle (…) comparable to the one that we created during the [eurozone] financial crisis.”
He noted that Kyiv’s allies are failing to provide air defence systems, saying that it is “inconceivable that we are not able to provide them given that the Western armies have about 100 batteries of Patriot.”
“And still, we are not able to provide the seven they are asking desperately,” Borrell added.
He stated that he would press EU Ministers again when they meet in Luxembourg later this month.
“We have to fulfil our moral and political obligation towards Ukraine. The situation is extremely difficult. The Russian military machine is running at full speed.”
Josep Borrell
“The possibility of a high-intensity conventional war in Europe is no longer a fantasy,” he told a conference in Brussels.
He noted that Russia threatens Europe through its war in Ukraine and hybrid attacks on EU member states.
“It [the war] is not going to start tomorrow, but we cannot deny reality,” he said.
He asserted, “We have obviously to do everything to avoid it. But in order to deter the adversary, we need to have the means to do so.”
Separately, German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock was reported as saying that her country’s stock of Patriot systems is “virtually exhausted” as Ukraine presses its Western allies for the desperately needed defence systems.
“Unfortunately, our own Patriot systems are now nearly depleted. It is necessary to conduct a review of all Patriot systems in Europe and the world in order to understand where something can be quickly delivered to Ukraine,” she stated.
She added that she would be able to provide more information publicly about the issue at a meeting of G7 foreign ministers.
Zelenskyy Pleads For Air Defence Systems To Protect Kharkiv
Also on Tuesday, Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Kharkiv needs a “robust defense” to counter Russia’s attacks.
“The world has no right to remain indifferent while Russia deliberately destroys the city on a daily basis and murders people in their homes,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.
“Ukraine needs greater air defense. I am grateful to everyone who is there for our people – eliminating the consequences of shelling, assisting, supporting, and working hard to keep normal life in Ukrainian cities.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
He also called on the U.S House of Representatives to pass the bill providing aid to Ukraine.
“If Congress does not help Ukraine, Ukraine will lose the war,” Zelenskyy said, adding, “If Ukraine loses, other states will be attacked.”
The Ukrainian President warned that Russia will also increase their nuclear threats.
Moreover, Zelenskyy announced on his Telegram channel that he met with Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff.
Zelenskyy divulged that the main issue during the meeting was the protection of Kharkiv from Russian strikes and the ability to strengthen Ukrainian air defense and electronic warfare (EW) in the Kharkiv Region.
“There will be separate tasks for our diplomats to work with partners for the sake of new air defense systems for Ukraine,” he said.
Zelenskyy thanked everyone who at the central level and in Kharkiv itself, in the Kharkiv Region is actively working to restore the opportunity for people to live normally.
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