Host \u2014 Vitalii Syzov.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 There is a lot of talk now about the need to invest not only in the EU\u2019s defense industry but also in Ukraine\u2019s defense sector. You are working on the “White Paper” on European Union defense. To what extent is Ukraine included in this important document?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 At the Munich Security Conference, we will discuss issues related to the defense industry. And, of course, Ukraine will take a prominent place in these discussions\u2014both in terms of defense capabilities and in the context of political events, American and European initiatives. These will be days of very intense discussions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As for the “White Paper,” we plan to publish it in mid-March. It will focus on several important topics. The first is how to prepare our own defense industry to produce what EU member states need to achieve NATO\u2019s capacity-building goals and to implement this process very quickly. Various intelligence agencies indicate that by 2030, Russia is preparing to strike the European Union and its member states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, the “White Paper” will also address how we can help Ukraine and, at the same time, help ourselves. Because Ukraine is defending all of us and implementing the concept of \u201cpeace through strength.\u201d This is the only correct path to a just peace in Ukraine.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n To implement this formula, we must continue to support Ukraine from the outside\u2014through joint efforts of the West, the EU, and the U.S. The European Union must have a clear plan on how to strengthen Ukraine\u2019s capabilities to achieve this much-needed \u201cpeace through strength.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 On February 12, the first meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (the “Ramstein” format) took place after Donald Trump took office. For the first time, it was chaired not by the U.S. but by the United Kingdom. Do you see the possibility of the EU and the U.S. continuing to work together to strengthen Ukraine\u2019s military potential, as they have over the past three years?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Over the past three years, we have worked closely with the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In that time, the U.S. has provided approximately \u20ac60 billion in military aid. Our military support (from the EU) has amounted to about \u20ac48 billion. However, if you look at the full package of support\u2014including military, budgetary, and humanitarian aid\u2014our support for Ukraine has actually exceeded that of the U.S. We have provided a total of approximately \u20ac130 billion, while U.S. assistance amounts to \u20ac100 billion.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, I hope that an equitable level of support for Ukraine will continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In any case, we will continue standing with Ukraine in achieving real and just peace\u2014”peace through strength.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n And we see no benefit in negotiations [with Russia] that do not include either Ukraine or the European Union.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \u2014 You mentioned that Russia could attack EU countries within five years. There are reports that Russia is increasing its troop numbers by 150,000 soldiers. The U.S. claims that NATO countries should spend 5% of GDP on defense or even more. How do you assess this figure, and is it realistic to reach that level?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Some European countries are approaching the 5% mark, especially those that feel the threat most acutely, such as the Baltic states and Poland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I hope that at the NATO summit in June, an agreement will be reached to increase national defense spending to at least 3% or 3.5%.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n We have very clear calculations on how much we need to spend and how to attract additional funds at the EU level. We are also looking at ways to convince the banking sector to invest significantly more in defense. Right now, it\u2019s not just about percentages or how much we need to spend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s about the capabilities we must have on the European continent to be ready to defend ourselves and deter Russian aggression.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n That is why we are working closely with NATO to assess what capabilities European member states need to develop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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