EU's New Proposal: Direct Military Support for Ukraine from Local Suppliers

The European Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius has proposed a tactical shift in how the European Union supports Ukraine’s military efforts. By sourcing weapons directly from Ukrainian manufacturers, he believes the EU could dramatically enhance its military assistance. Source: Kubilius on X (Twitter) Key Points: According to Kubilius, both the United States and the European Union allocate approximately €40 billion each year for military aid to Ukraine. He suggested that these funds could be utilized more effectively if they were used to procure military equipment directly from Ukrainian suppliers. “If Putin isn’t convinced by Trump to make peace, we could bring forward more convincing arguments for peace very quickly – by greatly increasing our military support to Ukraine,” Kubilius stated. The commissioner pointed out that the cost of weapons produced within Ukraine is roughly half that of similar products from the EU or the US. This pricing advantage could potentially allow Ukraine to double the volume of weapons it receives without any increase in spending. “Our support’s real value would rise to €80 billion,” he concluded, emphasizing the impact of direct procurement on military support. Kubilius also highlighted a new initiative called Security Action for Europe (SAFE) loans, which permits EU member states to finance military procurments for Ukraine. He indicated that this funding mechanism paves the way for a “peace through strength” approach. “SAFE loans mean strength for Ukraine!” he asserted. Background: High-ranking officials from Ukraine have been advocating for European nations to adopt a model of direct assistance reminiscent of the so-called Danish model. This approach emphasizes the establishment of dedicated funds aimed at purchasing military equipment from Ukraine. Countries like the Netherlands, Norway, and Czechia have already expressed support for this initiative, which the EU views as a cornerstone for a sustainable military aid strategy to Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!