EU officials warned member states could run out of weapons in their efforts to aid Ukraine, calling for increased military capabilities within the bloc.
“Military campaign of Russia in Ukraine is a wake-up call for the security and defense of the European Union (EU). Underinvestment leaves defenses unresponsive to the threats we face. The European Defense Agency has warned about this,” Josep Borrell, EU foreign policy official, said in a post on the homepage of the European External Action Service (EEAS) yesterday.
Ukrainian soldiers next to a truck carrying a batch of Javelin missiles delivered by the US. Image: AFP.
Mr. Borrell said that the current security environment shows that the EU needs to do more to ensure security, including building a modern and synergistic military force, and increasing combat capabilities. and weapons in areas such as air defense, cyber warfare and space defense.
“The depleted stockpile following the military aid effort to Ukraine is the best example of our shortcomings. This is partly the result of budget cuts and underinvestment in the past. “, said the EU official, and called on EU countries to replenish their weapons stockpiles and improve their internal combat readiness.
About 20 countries, most of them NATO and EU members, are pouring weapons into Ukraine in response to Russia’s military campaign.
Netherlands, Latvia send missiles to Ukraine’s air defense forces. Estonia delivered Javelin anti-tank missiles, while the Czech Republic sent machine guns, sniper rifles, pistols and ammunition. Poland promised to provide tens of thousands of artillery shells, anti-aircraft missiles, light mortars, reconnaissance drones and other weapons.
The German Ministry of Defense will deliver the first 15 Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery systems and 60,000 rounds of ammunition to Ukraine to protect key targets in July. Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht also announced in early April that Germany would transferred to Ukraine 7 self-propelled artillery systems PzH 2000 caliber 155 mm.
Outline of the battlefield in eastern Ukraine after nearly three months of hostilities. Click on the picture to see details.
The European Fund used to buy heavy weapons is known as the European Peace Facility. The fund was established two years ago with the goal of preventing conflict and enhancing international security. The fund has a budget of about $6.4 billion for operations between 2021 and 2027. EU officials said that if Ukraine needs financial support, it can be used.
Vu Anh (According to Sputnik)
at Blogtuan.info – Source: vnexpress.net – Read the original article here
