Kallas: EU and non-EU countries should provide Ukraine with interceptors
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas spoke about the need for EU member states to provide Ukraine with interceptors, adding that work is also underway with non-EU countries.
High Representative Kaja Kallas emphasized the necessity for EU member states to supply Ukraine with air defense interceptors. She mentioned that outreach efforts are also being made with non-EU nations. Kallas disclosed this information in Dublin ahead of the informal defense ministers meeting. In her words, enhancing Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression is the primary objective for the meeting, and Russian attacks against civilians have intensified this summer, aiming to harm the Ukrainian people and shatter their resolve.
Despite Ukrainians' resilience, they urgently require support, particularly with air defense. Kallas stated that Ukraine is currently lacking interceptors, and some countries possess interceptors nearing their expiration dates. These countries could transfer interceptors to Ukraine to safeguard their citizens. Furthermore, Kallas revealed that the EU is also pursuing non-EU nations to acquire interceptors for protecting civilians.
She acknowledged that this endeavor is challenging. Nonetheless, discussions are ongoing regarding the development of joint EU interceptors with Ukraine. The present meeting is informal and will not result in official decisions. However, Kallas assured that efforts are being made to unlock the European Peace Facility, a EUR 6.6 billion fund designated for military aid to Ukraine.
If unlocked in the coming days, numerous member states have pledged to redirect reimbursed funds to Ukraine, providing substantial new funding for air defense capabilities. Greece and Spain are reportedly among the countries pressuring by NATO and EU allies to transfer Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine. These requests were made over the summer and may include a potential arrangement where Norway purchases the missiles and subsequently transfers them to Ukraine.
The matter will likely be discussed during EU defense and foreign ministers meetings in Ireland on Tuesday and Wednesday, with representatives from Ukraine, the UK, Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland in attendance. Spain and Greece, allies of Ukraine, have considerable Patriot missile stockpiles, including interceptors approaching expiration.
Written by urgent.news from Interfax-Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
