The Pentagon has called on Europe to take on greater responsibility for supporting Ukraine, according to Politico
Aid to Ukraine should no longer depend solely on the United States due to limited weapons stockpiles. This was stated by Elbridge Colby, a senior Pentagon official responsible for policy.
This was reported by Politico.
“Europe must accelerate its assumption of primary responsibility for the conventional defense of the continent. This is not a matter of choice, but a strategic necessity,” he said.
The statement came amid a meeting of European allies in Germany, where new military aid packages for Ukraine were announced. The main focus is on supplying drones, air defense systems, and long-range strike capabilities.
In particular, Germany announced funding for additional missiles for Patriot systems, which will be manufactured domestically, as well as for IRIS-T air defense systems and long-range drones produced in Ukraine.
The United Kingdom has pledged to provide 120,000 drones as part of its annual military aid package. The Netherlands has allocated hundreds of millions of euros to develop drone capabilities, while Belgium and Spain have announced new funding for air defense, artillery, and combat aviation.
At the same time, Politico notes that despite growing support from Europe, Ukraine continues to face a shortage of air defense systems to counter Russian ballistic missiles, and production capacity is failing to keep pace with demand.
Colby emphasized that bridging this gap requires additional efforts and the strengthening of the defense industrial base.
“Europe must place the continent’s defense and, accordingly, its military support for Ukraine on a truly sustainable foundation,” he added.
Recently, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko held meetings with U.S. senators and congressmen.
Additionally, Ukraine has agreed with a group of international creditors on a significant deferral of payments on its sovereign debt until 2030. The decision allows for a temporary reduction in debt pressure on the budget and the allocation of resources to the state’s key needs, including defense and economic recovery.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine plans to begin training pilots on Gripen fighter jets this year. According to him, he will discuss this issue with King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, specifically regarding the launch of training for Ukrainian pilots in the near future.
