Today at 20:02
Ukraine should become an integral part of Europe’s emerging defense architecture, as its wartime experience has transformed modern warfare and offers valuable lessons for European security, EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius said, UATV English reports.
In an interview with FREEДOM, Kubilius said NATO is entering a new phase in which European countries must assume far greater responsibility for their own defense by increasing investment and taking a leading role in strengthening the continent’s security.
“NATO is entering a third stage of its development, where Europe must take serious responsibility for its own defense by investing in it and playing a leading role. That is why Ukraine’s integration into this new system is essential,” Kubilius said.
He noted that Russia’s full-scale invasion has fundamentally changed perceptions of modern warfare, particularly the role of unmanned systems.
“Before the war, no one understood the role drones would play in defense. Ukraine has developed enormous capabilities, and Europe truly has much to learn. This year, Ukraine is capable of producing around 10 million drones for its own defense, including systems capable of striking targets near Moscow, Omsk and St. Petersburg,” he said.
Kubilius described Ukraine as one of the world’s leading innovators in the development and combat use of drone technologies, arguing that its experience should become part of Europe’s broader defense planning.
The commissioner also stressed that Russia will remain a long-term threat to European security, making sustained investment in defense capabilities essential.
“Russia remains a long-term threat to Europe, and NATO has reaffirmed this assessment. That is why all of our plans focus on strengthening our defense capabilities. Every European country recognizes the same threat, and defense investments are increasing across the continent,” Kubilius said.
His remarks come as European governments continue expanding defense spending and accelerating efforts to strengthen military capabilities in response to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
Read Also: Ukraine’s Freyja Proposal Could Become Foundation of Europe’s Missile Defense — EU Commissioner
