Russia preparing for confrontation with Europe – European Commission President
Photo: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Getty Images)
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stated that Russia is preparing for a confrontation with Europe. In her opinion, the era of security and peace for Europeans is over, The Times reports.
"The era of the peace dividend is long gone," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a speech to military cadets in Denmark.
Von der Leyen warned that Russia is "preparing for future confrontation with European democracies." According to the European Commission chief, this is due to the fact that Europe’s oldest partner — the United States — is shifting its focus to the Indo-Pacific region.
"The security architecture that we relied on can no longer be taken for granted. The age of spheres of influence and power competition is well and truly back," she emphasized.
Due to the threat from Russia, Europe is intensifying its efforts to support Ukraine and strengthen its own defense capabilities. The publication adds that von der Leyen backed the creation of a new "joint task force with Ukrain," while Brussels is discussing plans to provide Kyiv with two million artillery shells this year, as well as air defense systems and strike missiles.
"This is what we call the steel porcupine strategy," she noted.
Support for Ukraine and Europe's rearmament
Recently, von der Leyen stated that Europe will support the strengthening of Ukraine and its Armed Forces while also enhancing its own defense efforts.
"In the meantime, we will support strengthening Ukraine and its Armed Forces following our 'porcupine strategy.' Finally, we will step up Europe’s defense efforts through ReArm Europe, boosting defense spending," said Ursula von der Leyen.
Earlier, at a security summit in London, the President of the European Commission stated that Ukraine must be placed in a position of strength. This should be achieved by providing the country with defensive capabilities that would turn it into a so-called "steel porcupine that cannot be digested by potential aggressors."
At the same time, von der Leyen stressed the urgent need for Europe’s rearmament. She later presented a corresponding plan.
The plan involves mobilizing €800 billion, including €150 billion in defense-related loans. The funds will be used to produce air defense systems and modernize the defense infrastructure of EU member states. Later, all 27 EU countries approved the Rearming Europe plan.
