EU must step up Ukraine aid after US arms pause, says Von der Leyen
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission (Photo: Getty Images)
The European Union must increase its support for Ukraine following the suspension of US weapons deliveries to Ukrainian defenders, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at a press conference alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the US pause in arms deliveries to Ukraine sends a clear signal to Europe about the need to boost its own support. She stressed the importance of strengthening Europe's defense capabilities not only at the EU level but across the entire continent.
She noted that EU countries have already provided approximately €50 billion in military aid to Ukraine. Denmark, in particular, was highlighted as a leading example through its supply of artillery and F-16 fighter jets.
Von der Leyen urged EU countries to tap into the EU's SAFE mechanism, which offers €150 billion for military support and defense investment in Ukraine. These funds can be directed either toward purchasing military equipment for Ukraine or investing in the country's highly efficient defense industry.
US suspends weapons deliveries
On July 2, media reports began circulating that the United States had suspended weapons deliveries to Ukraine.
This was later confirmed by official sources. The White House explained that the decision was made in order to prioritize US national interests.
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that American weapons already stationed in Poland were not delivered to Ukraine.
