Ukraine urgently needs additional air defense systems, Kallas says

Ukraine urgently needs additional air defense systems, and EU countries should consider transferring their reserve stocks to Kyiv, including missiles for Patriot systems, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas told journalists before an EU defense ministers' meeting in Brussels, according to Report's European Bureau.

"It is necessary for states with reserve stocks to be able to send them to Ukraine, while Patriot missiles produced in the future would replenish the transferred volumes," Kallas emphasized.

She also pointed out that the shortage of air defense assets is much broader in scope.

"Everyone needs more air defense systems," Kallas said, noting the need to scale up production against the backdrop of demand both from Ukraine and due to the situation in the Middle East.

Kallas also announced the unblocking of the European Peace Facility (EPF). According to her, around 1 billion euros from these resources will be allocated for joint defense procurement, as the European Union needs to encourage member states to join forces more actively when purchasing arms. "We really need to push member states to work together," the top EU diplomat said.

Earlier, EU countries agreed to unlock 6.6 billion euros from the EPF. Kallas previously stated that part of the funds would be used to reimburse member states for arms deliveries to Ukraine, finance new joint procurements, and support the EU mission training Ukrainian military personnel.

According to her, many EU countries that will receive funds under the EPF have already expressed their intention to direct them to Ukraine.

Kallas also stated that despite rising defense spending across the EU, bloc members still face serious defense capability gaps that require urgent attention.

"We have large gaps in defense capabilities, and now we must focus on exactly how to fill them," she said.