Ukraine engaged in developing strategy for EU defense industry - Von der Leyen

This was reported by European Pravda with reference to the statement of the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen during her speech in the European Parliament.

In particular, the official noted that the EU countries have already provided Ukraine with more than €28 billion in military aid, helped train more than 40,000 soldiers, the European defense industry has increased its capacity by 40%, and by March the number of artillery shells delivered to Ukraine will exceed half a million. 

However, von der Leyen stressed that this is not enough and that Ukraine's defense capabilities should be seen as the EU's defense capabilities.

"We don’t just need to expedite the supply of ammunition. Looking ahead, we should consider Ukraine's defense capabilities as part of our own. We should think of the Ukrainian defense industry complex as our own. Therefore, we have engaged Ukraine in preparing our strategy for the defense industry," the European Commission President said.

According to her, this is the first step that should lead to Ukraine's integration into some EU defense programs "with the consent of the European Parliament and the EU Council when necessary". 

"This will not only help meet Ukraine's defense needs but will also contribute to the coherence and joint planning of our military and defense industries,” Ursula von der Leyen said. 

At this stage of the war, European politicians must "sustain the momentum" to help Ukraine defend itself and protect the future of the rest of Europe, but also think about future reconstruction, security guarantees for Ukraine and strengthening the international security architecture, von der Leyen said. 

"I am absolutely convinced... that Ukraine will prevail. And Europe will stand by it at every stage of this journey," the European Commission President said. 

• On February 6, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the first tranche of the €50 billion EU's Ukraine Facility program will be disbursed to Ukraine in March.