EU's Von der Leyen urges Europe to gear up for its own defense
Photo: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Getty Images)
The European Union cannot rely on others to protect Europe. The threat from Russia remains serious, and the war against Ukraine is still ongoing, reports The Guardian, citing President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
"We cannot rely on others to defend Europe. The defence of Europe is our responsibility," she said.
Von der Leyen criticized the record-breaking Russian attack on Ukrainian cities on the night of July 9. According to her, the war is far from over, and the Russian threat has not disappeared.
"We see very clearly, the war still rages on, and the threat from Russia remains," she said.
She spoke about plans to increase investment in defense and military affairs, including up to 800 billion euros of investment and 150 billion euros of loans for joint procurement.
"It’s good for security, but not only, but it is also good for creating good jobs here at home," she said.
Von der Leyen warned that since Russia is rearming fast, "the more we wait, the more European investment will go abroad, outside the EU."
Massive attack on Ukraine on July 9
Last night, the Russians launched a massive attack on Ukraine with drones and missiles. During the attack, explosions were heard in Kyiv and a number of other cities. The key target for the enemy was the western regions of Ukraine.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the enemy used 741 air attack means, including 728 unmanned aerial vehicles.
For more details about the combined attack on Ukraine on July 9, read RBC-Ukraine's article.
