The advancements of Ukraine are driving Putin to act with extreme desperation and nervousness.
Putin / © Associated Press
European Commissioner for Defence Andrus Kubilius stated that Russia is intensifying its “chaotic attacks” in response to Ukraine’s battlefield successes. The objective of the Russian dictator, Vladimir Putin, is to diminish Europe’s support for Kyiv.
He made these remarks on June 1st during a speech in Vilnius, as reported by “Radio Liberty.”
Kubilius emphasized that the European Union must respond by increasing defense spending, boosting arms production, and reinforcing the eastern flank.
“The more Ukraine succeeds, the more nervous and desperate Putin becomes. Putin’s goal is to intimidate people in this region and in Europe so that we might cease supporting Ukraine. Our response is not to retreat, but to redouble our efforts: increase defense spending and production, support the eastern flank, and support Ukraine,” Kubilius stressed.
The official also drew attention to the challenges within Europe’s defense industry, particularly the absence of a single market and insufficient competition. In his view, this significantly hinders the sector’s development, especially considering that Russia, he claims, continues to produce more armaments than EU countries.
“Russia still produces more than the European Union, and this is very dangerous. It creates temptation for Putin. National parliaments must ask their governments: why are our defense industries not scaling up, despite increased funding?” Kubilius pointed out.
He cited Ukraine as an example, noting its substantial increase in domestic defense production after 2022.
“In Ukraine, there is fierce competition, market principles, and dynamic innovation in the defense sector. Conversely, we lack a single defense market in Europe, with a shortage of competition, innovation, and industrial scaling,” Kubilius observed.
He separately highlighted the importance of integrating Ukraine into the European security system even before the final resolution of its NATO and EU membership prospects.
“Ukraine has the best army in Europe and possibly in the world… It will be difficult to understand if we in Europe do not recognize the integration of Ukraine’s premier European – and perhaps global – military force into our European security system as a vital interest,” the official concluded.
Previously, it was reported that the Ukrainian Defense Forces have significantly enhanced their capabilities in destroying Russian troops. According to Yurii Fedorenko, commander of the “Achilles” drone systems brigade, this directly impacts the Russian army’s ability to conduct offensive operations. He emphasized that Russia is attempting to compensate for losses on the front lines through terror against Ukraine’s civilian population. Furthermore, the enemy is seeking ways to draw new resources into the war, including from Belarus. He stated that Ukrainian forces destroy more enemy personnel each month than Russia can replenish. Concurrently, the military expert assesses that the Kremlin is trying to find tools to regain tactical initiative on the battlefield.
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