Ukraine needs to implement initiative for allocation of EUR 20 bln defense support by EU – Zelenskyy
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes the importance of implementing the decision on the allocation of EUR 20 billion by the European Union for the country's defense support.
"Ukraine is grateful for the initiative to create a separate defense segment in the amount of EUR 20 billion within the framework of the European Peace Facility to continuously support our defense needs. And fast practical implementation is important. We expect both the unblocking and the allocation of the eighth tranche of assistance in the amount of EUR 500 million within the framework of the European Peace Facility," he said, speaking at a meeting of the foreign ministers of the European Union member states in Kyiv on Monday.
According to him, Ukraine also needs to accelerate the implementation of the European strategy for the supply of artillery shells.
"This applies both to joint purchases and to increasing the production capacity of the European defense industry. Everyone should understand: this is not only important for security, because Russia is convinced not only by force, but also by economic importance. The stronger the industrial potential of Europe, the better it is for Europeans," he said.
In addition, Zelenskyy said, the country "needs to expand and train the military, in particular Ukrainian soldiers within the framework of the EU military assistance mission."
"The obvious priority is to expand the range of training – to involve employees of our National Guard, State Border Guard Service, National Police and Security Service of Ukraine in the appropriate training. Now, defending ourselves from aggression, we gain a very necessary experience of defense in modern warfare. The more successful our soldiers are in defense, the more defense experience Ukraine will be able to share with partners," the President said.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the states of the European Union that joined the aviation coalition.
"Our pilots and infrastructure in Ukraine are currently being trained to use the F-16. This will help protect against Russian terror. We also count on the integration of modules for the training of Ukrainian F-16 pilots and engineering personnel into the EUMAM Ukraine mission," he said.
As the President noted, "it is very important to be as active as possible before the winter in strengthening the air defense shield of Ukraine." He added that Ukraine needs more air defense systems, "in particular, several Patriots to protect our southern regions are able to change the situation and significantly deprive the meaning of Russian terror."
