EU needs to invest in defense — von der Leyen calls to prepare for war with Russia

DW reported the information.

“Anyone who speaks and acts like Putin does not want peace, but intends to continue,” she emphasized.

In her opinion, Europe must not only support Ukraine, but also strengthen its own defense capabilities.

“If we are to maintain peace on our continent, we need to invest in defense,” she said.

Separately, the President of the European Commission condemned Russia's “hybrid attacks,” including the recent removal of border markings on the border with Estonia and the use of migrants as a tool in confrontation with the EU.

Von der Leyen also shared her vision of effectively boltering the EU's defense capabilities, adding that this would have a positive impact on the European economy.

“It is important that with the billions we invest, we also create good jobs here in Europe,” she explained.

The EC President emphasized that the financing of defense capability building measures should be carried out using budgetary funds coming from the contributions of EU member states.

• On Friday, April 19, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU would help Finland protect its eastern border from Russia's attempts to “use migrants” to destabilize the situation in the country.