Weapons, money, ammo production: Kuleba outlines ways for EU to strengthen support

12.12.2022 19:15

Ukrinform

Ukraine needs more weapons and ammunition to win and end the war with a just peace, and offers three ways to increase assistance on the part of the EU and Member States.

The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba in his online speech at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Monday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports, referring to the Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry.

“Ukraine can end this war with a victory and just peace as soon as possible, and will do so in case support from the EU is significantly increased. Hence, I urge you to significantly increase military aid for Ukraine,” Kuleba said.

In his words, there are three ways to strengthen support: providing more weapons and ammunition; expanding the European Peace Facility (EPF) in order to finance arms purchases; rapidly deploying ammunition production lines, namely with the involvement of Ukrainian enterprises.

“The top priority needs are anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense systems, armored vehicles (namely, those tracked), 155-mm artillery and relevant ammunition and, of course, NATO-standard tanks,” Kuleba stressed.

According to Kuleba, Ukraine’s recent success in liberating its eastern and southern territories should not ‘soothe’ partners, as Russia continues to send the mobilized soldiers to the front, and Ukraine is establishing new units that need to be equipped.

Kuleba thanked those partners who had already endorsed important decisions on new financial contributions, military aid packages, establishing a maintenance hub, and other steps. He expressed special gratitude for the creation of the EU Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine.

Kuleba emphasized the need to confront Russia’s narrative about its alleged readiness for talks and Ukraine’s unwillingness to hold negotiations. In this regard, Kuleba mentioned the 10-step Peace Formula, which had been announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Kuleba reiterated the invitation for European partners to choose the elements of the Peace Formula that they would be ready to implement together with Ukraine. In his words, this mechanism will have global significance and involve not only European countries but also the Global South.

Photo: Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry