Politico reported the information.
"We have advocated for a long time that if there is not enough ammunition, or there is not enough equipment in the EU, then let's buy it somewhere else and give it to Ukraine," Rinkēvičs said.
He emphasized that at this point it is very important that Ukraine continues to fight against Russian aggression and receives all the necessary means it needs to do so.
Rinkēvičs emphasized that the EU's current main problem is “not so much defense spending, we are raising that, but where you can actually find equipment to replenish your stocks, to rearm your defense forces."
He clearly outlined the understanding that the war in Ukraine will last longer than could have been predicted a year and a half ago, so the EU needs to build up its capabilities and take the work of the European defense industry seriously.
The Latvian president noted that he is also concerned that problems in the EU could affect the United States, where assistance to Ukraine is also facing political difficulties.
"Where I'm getting a bit concerned when I talk with Americans” is that they are living “under the impression that Europe is not giving enough” even though “we are actually spending more on Ukraine, if we combine both military and all kinds of programs, than the United States," Rinkēvičs said.
He believes that if Europe is unable to produce enough munitions or provide sufficient financial support to Ukraine, it will have a negative impact on the debate in the United States.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs underscored Russia's readiness for a long war and stressed the importance of Western support for Ukraine and Israel to resist attacks on European values and the global order.