EU Council of Ministers meets to hear report on Ukraine
On 23 May, the EU Council of Ministers will discuss the lessons learnt from the situation in Ukraine.
Pål Johnson, Minister of Defence of Sweden, EU Presidency, stated this on Tuesday in Brussels before the EU Foreign Affairs and Security Council, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
"Today we will discuss with the defence ministers the lessons learnt from the situation in Ukraine. The European Defence Agency has prepared a very interesting report on this, which we will use in our further work. Of course, we will also talk about further assistance for Ukraine, which remains a top priority for the Swedish EU Presidency. I expect to continue discussions on the production of artillery ammunition, as well as on strengthening the European defence industry," the Swedish official said.
He said that, at the initiative of the Swedish Presidency, the meeting will include a business lunch dedicated to practical cooperation between the EU and NATO, which, according to Johnson, has never been closer than it has been over the past six months, particularly in the context of responding to Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The EU intends to further develop cooperation with the Alliance in other areas, including climate change, the development of modern technologies, and security and defence measures in outer space.
Answering a clarifying question from journalists about Sweden's attitude to the "aviation coalition" in the interests of Ukraine, the Swedish official reminded that Sweden does not use F-16s, but supports the intention of other countries to provide Ukraine with these aircraft and to conduct appropriate training for Ukrainian military pilots.
"We have taken into account the signals from the UK and the Netherlands about their willingness to provide training and probably supply F-16s to Ukraine. I think it is natural that this is being done. At the same time, it is already very important for Ukraine to ensure air defence. Sweden provides various types of air defence systems, as do other countries. Certainly, if Ukrainians receive these aircraft, it will be a way to strengthen their air defence capabilities," Johnson said.
As reported earlier, on 23 May, the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting continues in Brussels, with the participation of defence ministers.
Yesterday, the issue of extending aid to Ukraine was discussed at the level of foreign ministers, and tomorrow the EU Council will focus on trade issues.