The Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation, in cooperation with the EESC and the SCEEUS, has compiled a study on European – Ukrainian defence cooperation. The paper is accompanied by commentaries from various European experts.
As the war in Ukraine enters its second year, it is becoming increasingly clear that the military hostilities of Russia may take the form of a protracted military conflict. The Ukrainian state and society have demonstrated a resilience, unexpected by Western partners, and will to fight for its soil regardless of the army size of the aggressor. Ukraine’s progress on the battlefield is directly connected to the level of military support of Western partners.
In December 2022, at the EU Foreign Affairs Council, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba mentioned three ways to boost military and defense cooperation between the EU and Ukraine. First, it is the delivery of weapons and ammunition along with Ukrainian requests. Second, the European Peace Facility has to be extended to finance further arms purchases. Third, the swift unfolding of joint production lines of ammunition by EU and Ukrainian defense manufacturers. These priorities are the foundation for short-term and mid-term prospects of cooperation, both on the level of the EU institutions and EU Member States.
Read more on defence cooperation between the EU and Ukraine in the full publication.