European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius indicated that part of funds designated for the ReArm Europe initiative will be allocated to providing military assistance to Ukraine. The ReArm Europe plan encompasses two key components: €650B from the anticipated increase in defense budgets across EU nations, and €150B in loans intended for defense acquisitions.
“Only member states can take out loans within the framework of the €150B instrument, but they can use these funds for joint procurement with Ukraine, particularly procurement in the Ukrainian defense industry for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” he remarked, adding that, for the first time, the Ukrainian defense sector will be on equal ground with the EU’s defense industry.
Oleksandr Kamyshin, an advisor to the president of Ukraine, mentioned that the Ukrainian defense industry has made considerable strides in producing various unmanned systems, but it is also capable of manufacturing a comprehensive array of modern weaponry and ammunition, including artillery systems and munitions, armored vehicles, missile systems, and more.