Kateryna Hirnyk06:54, 05.05.25

Kubilius proposed purchasing weapons directly from Ukrainian manufacturers.

The EU is ready to significantly increase support for Ukraine if US President Donald Trump fails to convince Russian leader Vladimir Putin to make peace. European Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said this on the social network X , noting that these would be “convincing arguments in favor of peace.”

He noted that until now the EU and the US have provided about 40 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine per year. However, these funds could be used more effectively by investing them in the purchase of weapons directly from Ukrainian manufacturers.

He emphasized that the cost of modern weapons produced in Ukraine is approximately half the cost of production in the EU or the USA.

“This would effectively double the amount of weapons that Ukraine receives for the same 40 billion euros. The real cost of our support would increase to 80 billion euros,” he stressed.

He also highlighted the effectiveness of the EU’s new security loans, which allow member states to finance military procurement for Ukraine. This is how, he said, the “Peace through Strength” formula should work.

Aid to Ukraine – news

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, after arriving in the Czech Republic on an official visit, announced that Kyiv and Prague are preparing to cooperate in the field of military aviation . He also announced that Ukraine may receive another 1.8 million shells in 2025 as part of the Czech initiative to supply ammunition.

In addition, the NYT reported that Ukraine will receive an upgraded Patriot air defense system , previously based in Israel. Negotiations are also ongoing with allies about the possible transfer of another system from Germany or Greece.

(c)UNIAN 2025