«The numbers are really scary. Of the remote-controlled bombs alone, the Ukrainians counted 7,000 in four months”, said the head of EU diplomacy Josep Borrell at the end of the Foreign Affairs Council convened together with the Defense Council in Luxembourg to take stock not only politically but also practically of the defensive capabilities of countries. The result is that «certain Member States» have indicated their willingness to «concrete measures on ammunition and air defense for Ukraine, within the framework of the initiatives of Germany and the Czech Republic, but they are actions that must be coordinated”, summarized Borrell.
THE EU countries have also reached a “political agreement” to tighten the current drone sanctions regime against Iran to include the missiles and their possible transfer to Russia. The geographical area of reference is expanded to include the delivery of missiles and drones not only to Russia, but to the entire Middle East and Red Sea region.
Meanwhile President Zelensky received assurances from President Joe Biden that the United States “will quickly send significant new military and air defense aid» as soon as the Senate approves the additional national security package and the law is signed. On Saturday, the US House gave the green light to the 61 billion dollars for Kiev after months of stalemate. During a phone call, President Biden reiterated “the United States’ enduring commitment to supporting Ukraine.”
Europe is also trying to do its part. Germany launched the initiative last week Immediate Action on Air Defense (Iaad). States are offering air defense systems, components and funds (Netherlands and Denmark are discussing this). Attention in recent days had focused on the EU countries that have Patriot batteries: Greece, Spain, Holland, Sweden, Romania and Poland. In particular on Madrid and Athens, which do not risk imminent threats. Yesterday the Financial Times reported “strong pressure” from EU allies and NATO. Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis explained, however, that the Greece has already provided «tangible assistance» to Ukraine and that «no action will be taken that could even remotely endanger our nation’s deterrence or air defense capabilities.”
The Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares he responded to journalists in Luxembourg who asked him about the possible dispatch of Patriot that Madrid is «well aware of Ukraine’s need for anti-aircraft defenses and especially Patriot systems» and that «Spain has always done everything in its power» . According to a European diplomatic source in Madrid, unlike Athens, it would have shown an openness to Kiev’s requests and is considering sending Patriot as part of a broader military aid package to be provided by June. Madrid declined to comment. As for Italy, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani explained that “we are doing everything possible to provide answers through the tools we have” and that “Minister Crosetto is at work”.
However, the words of the Polish president are a small coincidence Andrzej Duda, who announced that Poland is ready to welcome nuclear warheads on its territory. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said that “no decisions have been made” and Prime Minister Donald Tusk asked for a clarifying meeting with the head of state, who is close to the Pis, once in government.
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