The European Union is moving ahead with a “porcupine strategy” aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s military capabilities, despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s demand that Western allies stop providing aid.
EU leaders met on Thursday and reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s independence and democratic values, while also urging member countries to step up efforts to address the country’s pressing military needs.
The European Commission has unveiled a defense blueprint outlining how it plans to meet Ukraine’s security requirements. The plan includes providing air defense systems, missiles, and drones to enhance Ukraine’s capabilities on the battlefield.
The EU aims to provide at least 2 million rounds of large-caliber artillery shells each year and continue training programs for Ukrainian troops. In return, European troops will learn from Ukraine’s front-line experience.
To finance its military efforts, Ukraine will have access to cheap loans from a new fund worth €150 billion, as well as financial backing from individual EU countries and Norway.
The “porcupine strategy” is designed to make Ukraine an even more formidable opponent for Russia. The European Union has been cautious in its dealings with Putin, mindful of past instances of Russian deception, including the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and troop buildup in 2021 that Moscow denied would lead to invasion.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/eu-defense-funds-weapons-ukraine-ammunition-russia-d472d36e583f1bd7ebf54e5826b9e752