Europe – focus on Ukraine
Western states are providing support to Ukraine in its fight against Russia and in its future reconstruction
Leyla Cheamil, 12.06.2024, 14:00
Russia is and will remain the most significant and direct threat to NATO security, and allies will work on a strategy to challenge, restrict and counter Russia, including by limiting Moscow’s ability to rebuild its military, the co-chairs of the B9 summit hosted by Riga said on Tuesday. The summit was chaired by the presidents of Romania, Poland and Latvia, Klaus Iohannis, Andrzej Duda and Edgars Rinkevics, respectively. “We remain committed to our efforts to maintain international pressure on Russia, including by means of sanctions and other measures, as long as Russia continues its hostile policies and actions, including blatant violations of international law”, the joint statement signed by the three officials reads. At the same time, the three presidents reiterated their unwavering support for “independent and sovereign” Ukraine. It is important that NATO’s deterrence posture remains strong, and that the defense capacity is at maximum potential. Romania supports Ukraine, Romania stands with NATO, with Ukraine, together with other NATO allies, as long as it is required, president Klaus Iohannis pointed out.
In this context, the Romanian official announced that next week the Supreme Defense Council will discuss whether or not Romania will grant Ukraine a Patriot military system. The Biden administration called on European NATO member states that have this type of systems to examine the possibility of donating some of them to Ukraine. Germany has already announced it will give Kyiv such a system. Last month, the Romanian president addressed a possible transfer of a Patriot system to Ukraine, dismissing the possibility Romania should remain without anti-missile defense. If Romania gives something up, it should receive something else in return, the president said.
In Berlin, Western allies attending the International Conference for the Reconstruction of Ukraine promised support for this country, although concrete solutions are yet to be established. One such solution would be to boost investments in Ukraine. So far, the European Commission has announced agreements with various banks worth 1.4 bln EUR and an assistance package of 1.9 bln EUR. Italy announced 140 mln EUR in aid. Germany and Ukraine signed a Declaration of Intent to support Kyiv after the war. Chancellor Olaf Scholz also promised Ukraine IRIS-T systems, missiles and ammunition in the coming months, in addition to 100 Patriot missiles, in a joint initiative with Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. Romania also offered its assistance. Attending the conference in Berlin, the Romanian Foreign Minister, Luminița Odobescu, said Bucharest supports Ukraine with electricity and construction works designed at improving interconnectivity. Bucharest’s approach is regional, also targeting the Republic of Moldova, the Romanian Foreign Minister said. (VP)
