Double weapons for the same money: EU Commissioner proposes new formula for supporting Ukraine
Photo: EU Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius (Getty Images)
The European Union could significantly ramp up its military support for Ukraine by purchasing weapons directly from Ukrainian manufacturers, according to EU Commissioner for Defense and Space, Andrius Kubilius.
He recalled that the United States and the EU currently allocate around 40 billion euros annually in military aid to Ukraine. These funds could be used more efficiently by investing in weapons procurement directly from Ukrainian producers.
"If Putin isn’t convinced by Trump to make peace, we could bring forward more convincing arguments for peace very quickly — by greatly increasing our military support to Ukraine," Kubilius said.
He noted that weapons produced in Ukraine cost roughly half as much as similar arms made in the EU or the US. This would effectively double the volume of weaponry supplied to Ukraine without increasing overall spending.
"Our support’s real value would rise to €80B," he wrote.
Kubilius also pointed to a new tool — the EU’s SAFE loans, which allow member states to finance military purchases for Ukraine. In his view, this opens the door to implementing a strategy of peace through strength.
"SAFE loans mean strength for Ukraine!" the official emphasized.
Danish arms initiative
Last year, Ukraine and Denmark launched a new initiative to invest in domestic weapons production. Through the project, partners channel funds into Ukrainian-made arms and gain access to advanced military technologies.
Lithuania and Sweden have already joined the initiative. Lithuania is allocating 10 million euros for the production of long-range weapons, including the Palianytsia project, while Sweden will provide funding for the production of Ukrainian long-range drones.
In March this year, Denmark’s Ministry of Defense announced plans to allocate nearly 40 million euros to an innovation fund aimed at supporting Ukraine’s need for rapid technological advancement on the battlefield.
