Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said Europe must strengthen and accelerate military assistance to Ukraine over the next six to nine months, calling on European countries to increase investment.
He made the remarks to journalists ahead of an informal meeting of EU defence ministers in Ireland.
“We have a window of opportunity of six to nine months. Ukraine is now resisting Russia, striking it and counterattacking. And we, Europe, must accelerate our support for Ukraine,” Kaunas said.
He stressed the need to increase assistance to Ukraine and respond more quickly to its needs.
“We need to increase investment, act faster and help Ukraine as much as possible,” the minister said.
According to Kaunas, another common challenge facing Europe is countering Russia’s shadow fleet.
He also assured that support for Ukraine would remain one of the key priorities during Lithuania’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union.
“Lithuania will take over the presidency of the Council of the European Union on January 1. And we will continue working on this issue. Ukraine will be among the most important priorities on our agenda. All the efforts made during the current presidency will continue under Lithuania’s presidency,” he added.
