EU vows to back Ukraine no matter what U.S. decides — Commissioner Kubilius

EU Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius expressed on Espreso TV that the European Union remained committed to supporting Ukraine's defense regardless of the decisions made by its transatlantic partners. 

He stated that EU countries now had the opportunity to purchase Patriot systems, produced exclusively by the American defense industry, for Ukraine, emphasizing that such acquisitions were crucial for boosting Ukraine’s defense capabilities and strengthening its Armed Forces.

Kubilius argued that reinforcing Ukraine militarily was the only way to pressure Russia into meaningful ceasefire negotiations, as Moscow responded only to strength. He stressed that peace could only be achieved by implementing Ukraine’s peace formula through power, and that EU countries were actively contributing to this effort.

He added that it remained to be seen how the American side would act, particularly after President Trump’s 50-day ultimatum to Putin expired in early September. However, he expressed hope that the current openness allowing European countries to buy American-made weapons for Ukraine would continue consistently, and that the EU intended to make full use of this opportunity.