EU diplomacy chief urges sending Ukraine interceptor missiles nearing expiration
Photo: Kaja Kallas (GettyImages)
EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas calls on EU countries to transfer interceptor missiles to Ukraine, whose shelf life is about to expire, amid intensifying Russian attacks.
According to Kallas, this will help strengthen the protection of the Ukrainian population amid ongoing Russian attacks.
Kallas calls for the delivery of missiles to Ukraine
Before the start of an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Wicklow, Ireland, Kallas states that Ukraine lacks air defense capabilities.
"July and August have been the deadliest months for the civilians in Ukraine. Russia is really escalating to hurt the people of Ukraine as much as possible to break them. The Ukrainians, of course, are standing strong, and we have to support them. The main issue is air defence," Kallas says.
She notes that some countries have interceptor missiles whose shelf life is coming to an end.
"We know that some of the countries have interceptors that will expire soon. So, it would be very good if those would be given to Ukraine so that they can use them to protect their people," says the EU's foreign policy chief.
EU seeking additional options
According to Kallas, the EU is also reaching out to countries outside the bloc, asking them to provide Ukraine with missiles to protect the civilian population.
"But of course, it is very hard," she acknowledges.
In addition, work is continuing on the joint production of European interceptor missiles with Ukraine's participation.
"And, at the same time, there is also work going on to put together the European interceptors - together with Ukraine," Kallas adds.
In early August, the EU had already stepped up pressure through sanctions against Russia. On August 7, EU member states agreed on new personal sanctions against five representatives of the Russian military-industrial complex. The decision came amid ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine.
