Pevkur at EU defence ministers’ meeting: support for Ukraine must be in line with promises made at political level

Discussions at today's meeting of defence ministers of EU member-states in Brussels focused on military assistance to Ukraine.

"The European Union must, in solidarity, assume greater responsibility for providing military support to Ukraine, especially in the context of the recent extensive attacks by the aggressor state, the Russian Federation. Strong and sustained support for Ukraine and major investments to strengthen Europe's defence capability send a strategic message to the Kremlin about our steadfast commitment to Ukraine and our readiness to defend Europe. This requires at least 2.5% of GDP, capability enhancement and investments by the European Union," said Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur.

"By the end of the year, one million rounds promised by us will have been delivered to Ukraine. This is our joint and significant victory, and an example of how the European Union, when making a collective effort, can also provide substantial support to Ukraine in the war. The decision made this spring to utilise the interest accrued on frozen assets was seminal and constructive. Yet now it is also necessary to discuss usage of those frozen assets for the benefit of Ukraine. The EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine has also been a success, with training of 75,000 Ukrainian soldiers to be completed by the end of this year. 1,000 days after the start of the full-scale war, we must remind ourselves that the future of Ukraine and Europe is shaped by our common values and choices - support for Ukraine today is preventing a future war in Europe, which would come at a much higher cost to all of us," he added.

The meeting was also attended by Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, who gave an overview of the military situation in Ukraine, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

The meeting of defence ministers was preceded by a meeting of the Steering Board of the European Defence Agency to discuss the Agency's 2025-2027 action plan. This was followed by a meeting with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius to address the security challenges facing Ukraine and Europe and examine possible solutions.

Doorstep at the meeting of ministers

Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4,

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