Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas spoke ahead of the Informal Meeting of Defence Ministers in Druids Glen, County Wicklow, Ireland, warning that Ukraine urgently needs stronger air defence.
Kallas said July and August were the deadliest months for civilians in Ukraine, accusing Russia of escalating attacks to hurt the Ukrainian people as much as possible and try to break them.
She stressed that Ukrainians are standing strong, but Europe must continue to support them.
According to Kallas, the main issue is air defence, especially the lack of interceptors needed to protect civilians from Russian attacks.
She said some countries have interceptors that will expire soon, and argued that these should be sent to Ukraine so they can be used to save lives.
Kallas also said the EU is reaching out to countries outside the European Union to secure more interceptors, while work continues on European interceptor production together with Ukraine.
The defence ministers will also discuss space as a key enabler of defence, maritime security, freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, protection of critical undersea infrastructure, and possible European support for the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Her message was urgent: Ukraine needs air defence now — and Europe must act faster to protect civilians.
#eudebates #Kallas #Ukraine #EUDefence #AirDefence
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas spoke ahead of the Informal Meeting of Defence Ministers in Druids Glen, County Wicklow, Ireland, warning that Ukraine urgently needs stronger air defence.
Kallas said July and August were the deadliest months for civilians in Ukraine, accusing Russia of escalating attacks to hurt the Ukrainian people as much as possible and try to break them.
She stressed that Ukrainians are standing strong, but Europe must continue to support them.
According to Kallas, the main issue is air defence, especially the lack of interceptors needed to protect civilians from Russian attacks.
She said some countries have interceptors that will expire soon, and argued that these should be sent to Ukraine so they can be used to save lives.
Kallas also said the EU is reaching out to countries outside the European Union to secure more interceptors, while work continues on European interceptor production together with Ukraine.
The defence ministers will also discuss space as a key enabler of defence, maritime security, freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, protection of critical undersea infrastructure, and possible European support for the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Her message was urgent: Ukraine needs air defence now — and Europe must act faster to protect civilians.
#eudebates #Kallas #Ukraine #EUDefence #AirDefence
