EU contemplates increasing military support to Ukraine by twofold
Fresh Take:
European Union countries could ramp up military support for Ukraine if U.S. President Donald Trump fails to convince Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for a speedy peace agreement with Kyiv, as suggested by EU Commissioner for Defense, Andrius Kubilius, as reported by Our News Channel, citing DW.
According to Kubilius, the EU and U.S. have been supplying military aid to Ukraine worth about 40 billion euros per year. But, by purchasing cheaper weapons directly from Ukrainian manufacturers, this amount could effectively double, increasing the actual value to 80 billion euros.
The EU nations are adopting a new strategy: defense loans to finance military purchases for Kyiv. Kubilius stated, "This is how the 'Peace through strength' formula can truly work in practice. Loans are power for Ukraine!"
Under the EU's comprehensive rearmament plan, the European Commission plans to allocate loans worth 150 billion euros to facilitate rapid joint purchases and production of weapons. This new financial injection will enable EU countries to channel investments into weapons production in Ukraine or collaborate with local companies to integrate the Ukrainian defense industry with the European one.
Previously, The Washington Post reported that more EU countries are contemplating investments in Ukraine's defense industry instead of direct weapons supplies, due to European weapon stock reduction over the three-year-long war.
The European Union has already transferred a billion euros to Kyiv for the production of howitzers. As a result, Ukraine has commenced production of both self-propelled and towed howitzers "Bogdan" with a NATO-caliber 155 mm. More than 85% of the components for these howitzers are currently produced locally, which is expected to increase to 95% by the end of the year, according to the head of the Defense Procurement Agency of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, Arsen Jumaidov.
Kyiv's local production scale has no European counterparts. Thanks to cooperation with European partners, monthly production has grown from six howitzers in 2023 to 20 in the current year.
Notable Points:
- EU countries could potentially double their military aid to Ukraine if U.S.-Russia peace talks stall.
- Defense loans are being used by EU countries to finance military purchases for Ukraine.
- Under the EU's rearmament plan, loans worth 150 billion euros will be allocated for joint weapons production.
- The European Union has already provided a billion euros to Ukraine for the production of howitzers.
- Local production of howitzers in Ukraine has no European analogs.
Opening Dialogue:
Almaty: Are you following the developments in Ukraine?
User: Yes, Ukraine is attempting to ramp up its military capabilities to defend against Russian aggression. The EU has been providing military aid and is considering increasing it further, particularly if peace talks between the U.S. and Russia fail.
Almaty: Wow, that's significant for Ukraine's defense against potential attacks. What new strategies are EU countries employing to boost military aid?
User: They are looking to use defense loans to finance military purchases in Ukraine. Additionally, joint procurement initiatives along with fiscal flexibility and the activation of the "National Escape Clause" could unlock additional funds for defense spending, possibly up to 1.5% of GDP collectively.
- The EU could potentially double their military aid to Ukraine if U.S.-Russia peace talks stall, as they are adopting a new strategy of defense loans to finance military purchases for Kyiv.
- Under the EU's comprehensive rearmament plan, they plan to allocate loans worth 150 billion euros to facilitate rapid joint purchases and production of weapons, strengthening Ukraine's defense capacities.
- The European Union has already transferred a billion euros to Kyiv for the production of howitzers, and local production of these weapons in Ukraine has no European counterparts.
- EU countries might also consider investments in Ukraine's defense industry instead of direct weapons supplies, potentially leading to a more robust local defense industry integrated with the European one.
