On 1 December, European Union ministers of defence met in Brussels to discuss the most critical needs of Ukraine for ending the war and urgent capability requirements for defending the eastern flank of Europe.
‘At a time when Ukraine is facing the challenge of processing the peace conditions and planning further steps, it continues to need the support of its allies, and even more so than before. Peace must come on terms that Ukraine agrees to and that respect the sovereignty of Ukraine. As allies, we must support Ukraine so that it can defend its freedom and secure the best possible position for peace negotiations,’ said Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.
‘We heard today from the Ukrainian Minister of Defence that it is necessary to contribute financially on a par with Russia, including continued and strong military support, but also the use of frozen assets and the continuation of sanctions,’ Pevkur added.
‘It is also necessary to continue training Ukrainian soldiers and integrating the defence industry of Ukraine with that of the European Union,’ emphasised the Minister of Defence.
In addition, the European Union ministers of defence discussed defence readiness issues that need to be addressed urgently at the European Union level. The ministers confirmed the need to prioritise the defence of the eastern flank of Europe, to invest immediately and even more than before in European air defence and long-range capabilities, as well as in ammunition and drones.
In order to continue developing the necessary capabilities at a rapid pace, it is necessary to reduce the administrative burden within the Union, increase defence spending and mobilise private funding.
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