For Ukraine, US aid is a reason to breathe a sigh of relief. The EU welcomes the package – but it is coming under increasing pressure to step up itself. The meeting in Luxembourg is all about who can give more.
Several ministers in Luxembourg welcomed the US House of Representatives’ decision to provide further military aid to Ukraine. But the ‘yes’ from Washington increases pressure on the EU to do more too.
According to Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, it is now a matter of each member state taking another look at its inventory and seeing how Ukrainian air defense can be expanded. “Every additional air defense system saves human lives in Ukraine,” emphasized the Green politician. “And that’s why it’s so important that we pool our resources in this area.”
Ukraine needs more “Patriot” systems
Ukraine currently has three “Patriot” air defense units, but says it needs at least seven to withstand the growing pressure from the Russian army. The federal government has so far sent two “Patriot” systems and promised another and is appealing to its partners in the EU and NATO to also deliver.
Discussions are said to be ongoing with Denmark and the Netherlands, which could provide more financial support. According to information from Berlin, other partners also want to check whether they can supply systems or make resources available.
Kyiv expects a Russian offensive in early summer
The responsible Ukrainian ministers will take part in the conference via video link. President Volodymyr Zelensky is expecting a Russian offensive in early summer and recently made an urgent request at the EU summit for new weapons, artillery shells, vehicles and drones.
“We work every day to support Ukraine and today member states have to look at what they can do, what is needed and whether they can make suggestions,” said Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief.
Lithuania announces further support
The good news from the USA should not stop Europeans from doing what they have to do, demanded Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Gabrielis Landsbergis.
His country will announce additional measures to strengthen its air defense. “Lithuania has special equipment that could be used in Ukraine,” Landsbergis said. “This will be announced today. But this is just a small example of how everyone else needs to move forward too.”
EU prepares new sanctions on Iran
The ministers in Luxembourg are also preparing tougher sanctions against Iran. The EU summit gave the green light for this last week after the attack on Israel. The punitive measures against the Iranian drone program are to be expanded and deliveries to Iran’s allies are to be included. In addition to components for drones, the EU also wants to collect components for rockets.
Ireland speaks of “collective punishment” in Gaza
Ireland strongly condemned the Iranian attack on Israel, but also criticized the Israeli government over the military action in the Gaza Strip. Ireland and Spain want to have the EU agreement with Israel reviewed.
The people in the Gaza Strip are being punished collectively, which is unacceptable, emphasized Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin. “It seems to me that Israel has not listened enough to the EU and the US and it is time for Israel to back off and stop.” This is necessary to achieve a ceasefire, to release the Hamas hostages and to enable humanitarian aid.
The group also deals with the civil war in Sudan. The conflict has now lasted over a year, almost 15,000 people have been killed and millions have fled.