Kubilius: America should not consider Russia's war against Ukraine only European problem
If the United States considers Russia's war against Ukraine to be only a problem for the European Union, it could lead to increased aggressiveness of dictatorial regimes in other regions of the world.
This was stated by European Commissioner Andrius Kubilius in Brussels during a hearing of the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defense, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
The European Commissioner emphasized the need to send a clear message to Washington that waiting for a new administration to come in is not an option, and it would be beneficial to have plans to support Ukraine in place beforehand. He criticized the approach suggesting that America would focus solely on China and leave Ukraine to Europe, calling it not strategically wise. He noted that China is closely observing the situation in Ukraine, and if the West appears weak, as Putin expects, China may draw its own conclusions about Western weakness and potentially take actions such as attacking Taiwan.
At the same time, he acknowledged that China continues to build up its strength, and this may require more and more attention from the United States.
Kubilius emphasized that partnership with the United States is essential in this matter. However, he noted that it would also mean that America might not be able to maintain its presence on the European continent at the current level to which Europe is accustomed. He stressed the need to consider this reality, particularly in terms of military power, weapons—many of which Europe heavily depends on the United States for—and the development of defense technologies.
He noted that the European Union does not claim to compete with NATO in security matters, but intends to strengthen the European component of the Alliance.
The European Commissioner for Defense and Space stated that NATO develops defense plans, which serve as the foundation for understanding what needs to be achieved. He added that the EU can assist member states in developing the necessary resources to implement these defense plans, mobilize funding, and apply certain legal measures.
As is known, since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, the EU has been providing Ukraine with political, economic, financial, humanitarian and military assistance.
This support continues in the new European Parliament, the EU Council, and among the members of the newly formed European Commission. On his first day in office, December 1, 2024, President of the European Council Antonio Costa, EU High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas, and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos paid a visit to Kyiv that had a very high symbolic and political significance.