Synopsis
Defence Ministers from five leading European military nations convened in Paris to pledge support for Ukraine's military, emphasizing the need for enhanced defence capabilities and cooperation. A joint declaration was made to strengthen transatlantic ties and European defence strategies while addressing independent defence systems in light of potential US withdrawal.Key Takeaways
- European defence ministers reaffirmed their support for Ukraine.
- Joint declaration emphasized strengthening defence capabilities.
- Importance of transatlantic alliance highlighted.
- Discussion on independent European defence systems was raised.
- Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire proposal from the US.
Paris, March 13 (NationPress) Defence Ministers from Europe's leading military nations, France, Germany, Britain, Italy, and Poland, convened in Paris to express their backing for the Ukrainian army.
Following their meeting, a joint statement was released, indicating that the ministers would bolster European efforts for peace in Ukraine, which includes expediting defence industrial collaborations with Ukraine, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
During a joint press briefing, French defence minister Sebastien Lecornu stated that enhancing the defence capabilities of the Ukrainian army would serve as “one of the primary security guarantees” for Kyiv.
Lecornu emphasized, “The genuine guarantee of long-term security will be the capabilities we can provide to the Ukrainian army.”
Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto remarked that there could be no future for Ukraine “without the means to defend itself.”
The ministers also resolved to unify their approach to European defence under the auspices of the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
The joint declaration highlighted their commitment to maintaining a “strong” transatlantic alliance while significantly boosting Europe’s role in the continent’s deterrence and defence strategies.
When queried about discussions on creating an independent European defence system in the event of a US withdrawal, German defence minister Boris Pistorius mentioned that this concern has been “on Europe’s mind for quite some time.”
He suggested that Europe should focus on simplifying administrative processes at both national and European levels to standardize weapon systems across various European nations. He advocated for collaborative efforts among European countries concerning European security.
On Tuesday, Ukraine consented to a US proposal for an “immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire” after discussions with a US delegation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as stated in a joint announcement.
These talks, notably conducted without European involvement, resulted in a commitment for renewed US security assistance to Ukraine, while the US received preliminary approval for access to Ukraine’s mineral resources.
Despite their absence from the negotiations, European leaders applauded the advancements between the US and Ukraine while persisting in their efforts to enhance the continent’s defence capabilities.
