EU Urges Member States to Send Expiring Interceptors to Ukraine

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has called on member states to provide more missile defence equipment to Ukraine, highlighting a critical shortage of interceptors. Speaking at a meeting of EU defence ministers in Ireland, Kallas said Ukraine's forces remain resilient but need immediate support to protect their population.

"The main issue is air defence. They are lacking interceptors," Kallas stated. She noted that some European countries hold interceptors that are nearing expiry and urged them to transfer these systems to Ukraine, where they could be used to save lives.

Kallas also announced plans to launch a high-level group next week, comprising former political and military leaders from several EU countries, the UK, and Ukraine. The group will examine fresh responses to what she described as "increasing very real military threats," with an emphasis on speed and European self-reliance.

Irish Defence Minister Helen McEntee echoed these concerns, noting that over 400 civilians were killed in Russian airstrikes in July alone, with more than 2,600 casualties reported over the summer. She stressed that continued political, financial, and military support for Ukraine is essential, particularly as winter approaches and critical infrastructure remains a target.

Kallas emphasised that while NATO remains the cornerstone of European security, the United States is urging European allies to take greater responsibility for their own defence. She argued that Europe should focus on defending its own territory, leveraging its innovative defence industries, and incorporating Ukraine's operational experience.