EU’s Kallas Urges Nations to Donate Expiring Air Defense Interceptors to Ukraine

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, appealed on Tuesday for countries possessing air defense interceptors with upcoming expiration dates to donate them to Ukraine. She emphasized that Ukraine is currently lacking essential systems for self-protection.

Speaking upon arrival in Wicklow, Ireland, for an informal meeting of EU defense ministers, Kallas stated, “The main issue is air defense. They lack interceptors.” She elaborated, “We know that some countries have interceptors that are close to expiring. So, if these interceptors are given to Ukraine so that they can use them to protect their people, it would be very good.”

Kallas further disclosed that the European Union is also engaged in discussions with non-EU countries to procure interceptors for Ukraine, concurrently working with Kyiv on the development of European interceptor systems. She indicated that ministers would initially deliberate on the situation in Ukraine, noting that July and August had been the deadliest months in the country.

The ministers are also slated to discuss space, which Kallas described as a crucial defense factor, referencing its civilian and military applications. “We really need to make progress in order to remain a space power,” she commented. Maritime security was another agenda item, with Kallas highlighting the Strait of Hormuz and the imperative to uphold freedom of navigation. “Diplomatic efforts continue, but currently, they have no outcome,” she stated, asserting the importance of ensuring no tolls or charges are imposed on previously open routes.

Ministers are also expected to confer on the protection of vital undersea infrastructure and further joint actions. Kallas mentioned that discussions would also encompass a potential European mission to support the armed forces of Lebanon.