'Peace through strength': Commissioner Kubilius says Ukraine can continue to rely on European support

He said this on March 24 in Brussels during a discussion under the auspices of the Martens Centre regarding the European Defence White Paper, according to Ukrinform.

“We have a very clear strategic desire to achieve peace in Ukraine, but it must be a just peace, and it can only be achieved through the formula of ‘peace through strength.’ Additional strength for Ukraine can only come from our side. It is very good to stand together with the United States, but we must be ready to do our part if things do not go properly, without transatlantic relations. Can we do more? My answer is yes, even though both we – the United States and the European Union – are already doing a lot for Ukraine,” Kubilius stated.

According to him, the EU has provided Ukraine with about 50 billion euros in aid over the three years of full-scale war. If contributions from the UK and Norway, which are not EU members, are added, the European contribution matches that of the U.S.

Kubilius reminded that the European Commission has introduced a European defence initiative worth 150 billion euros and noted that this initiative creates new opportunities for member states. With such funding, member states can more effectively assist Ukraine, place orders with Ukrainian defense companies, and deliver the manufactured military equipment directly to the Ukrainian army.

“I hope we will be able to do more than we have done so far,” Kubilius concluded.

• On March 20, European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis stated that in the event of a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, the focus of EU support for Kyiv may shift toward recovery and reconstruction.