The Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg discussed Russian aggression against Ukraine in a joint session, gathering both EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs and EU Ministers of Defence.
The Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba, and the Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov, joined the beginning of the meeting via video teleconference (VTC) and provided updates on the latest developments on the ground and Ukraine’s current priorities.
“In addition to missiles and drones, Ukrainians have reported 7,000 guided bombs fired by Russia in the first four months of this year, averaging about 60 guided bombs a day, with constant shelling in the East. This is part of Putin’s strategy. On the other hand, it is clear that Ukraine lacks weapons for self-defense and to repel Russia’s aggression. […] There is a clear sense of urgency for the European Union and all Ukrainian allies to act. The most important way to act is by providing air defense batteries and ammunition for these batteries,” said Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
The High Representative underlined the importance of providing air defense systems and missiles to Ukraine and proposed coordinating the urgent delivery of these items at the EU level.
Greece was represented by Deputy Minister of National Defense Ioannis Kefalogiannis, who, in his speech, referred to the country’s support so far, as announced by the Ministry of National Defense. On the sidelines of the meeting, Kefalogiannis held a meeting with the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus Vasilis Palma.
