“Europe must prepare for war”

European Council President Charles Michel said on March 18 that if Europe wants to survive in peace, it must move into “war economy” mode and significantly strengthen its defense capabilities in the face of the Russian threat. said.

In an op-ed published in several European newspapers, Michel said that U.S. support can no longer be taken for granted and that EU countries must continue to protect their own security as they grapple with their biggest security challenges since World War II. He said there is a need to take responsibility for guarantees.

“If we don’t get the EU response right and give Ukraine enough support to stop Russia, we will be next. Therefore, we must prepare for defense and move into ‘war economy’ mode. No,” he wrote.

“Russia is a serious military threat to our continental and global security. If we don’t get the EU response right and give Ukraine enough support to stop Russia, we will be next.” ‘ he added.

“If you want peace, you must prepare for war.”

Michel blamed decades of underfunding and investment in European militaries, and said even more is needed, despite a 50% increase in munitions manufacturing capacity since Russia’s full-scale invasion began. denounced the need to do so.

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“While we strengthen our defense capabilities, we must also ensure that Ukraine has what it needs on the battlefield,” he wrote, adding that “Ukrainian soldiers have bullets, missiles, and We urgently need an air defense system,” he added.

“We must use the European budget to buy military equipment for Ukraine, and let us use the windfall from Russia’s stuck assets to buy weapons for Ukraine.”

On March 18, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba announced that EU foreign ministers will allocate an additional 5 billion euros ($5.5 billion) in defense assistance to Ukraine in 2024 within the framework of the European Peace Facility (EPF). announced that they had agreed.

The EPF has been an important tool to support Ukraine’s defense capabilities since 2022, but member states disagree on the best way to replenish the EPF and secure further funding for Ukraine. Most of it is exhausted.

“With this fund, we will continue to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s war of aggression, by any means necessary, for as long as necessary,” EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell said in a statement.

Scholz, Macron and Tusk pledge more arms purchases and new commitment to Ukraine

The leaders of Germany, France and Poland have agreed on new initiatives to support Kiev, including expanded arms purchases and a future coalition on rocket artillery, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on March 15 at the Weimar International Airport in Berlin. He reportedly said this after the Triangle meeting.