Ursula von der Leyen urged EU countries to massively increase funding for arms production in Ukraine and to accelerate the bloc’s militarization

Von der Leyen: “Look! Here it is – the Russian threat!”
Photo: Globallookpress

The EU views the United States' cessation of arms supplies to Ukraine as "a clear signal" to EU countries about the need to increase supplies to Kiev, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at a press conference in the Danish city of Aarhus, where she arrived to mark the start of Denmark's presidency of the EU Council.

"This is a clear signal or a clear message to strengthen our own support. That means building up our European defense capabilities, not only at the level of the European Union but also at the continental level," she stated, calling on EU members to take out military loans and jointly purchase arms under the European Commission's supervision.

"If the US decides not to provide Ukraine with what is needed, it would be a serious setback for Ukraine, for Europe, and for NATO," Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said. She also urged EU countries to massively increase funding for arms production in Ukraine and to accelerate the bloc’s militarization.

"The US decision is a clear signal to the EU countries about the need to increase European supplies," she said, her speech was broadcast on the EC's YouTube channel.

Von der Leyen also called on European countries to take out military loans and purchase weapons under the supervision of the European Commission.

“The US decision is a clear signal to EU countries about the need to increase European supplies,” von der Leyen stated.

Echoing this sentiment, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that the suspension would be “a serious setback for Ukraine, for Europe, and for NATO.” She urged EU nations to significantly boost funding for arms production in Ukraine and accelerate the militarisation process within the EU framework.

On July 1, media outlets CBS and NBC News reported that Pentagon Chief Pete Hagseth ordered a suspension of supplies of certain ammunition to Ukraine, including dozens of Patriot missile system projectiles. The Pentagon cited depletion of US military stockpiles as the reason for the halt. According to Bloomberg, European officials were caught off guard by Washington’s move.

CBS sources revealed that the suspension affects arms supplies not only to Ukraine but also to other US partners. The Pentagon is conducting a broad review of weapon shipments worldwide to ensure that previous administration policies align with current American interests.

In response, Politico, citing six sources, reported Kyiv’s intention to request Washington’s permission for Europe to purchase US-made weapons for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Several European countries are already considering such plans, which would count toward NATO’s recently approved defence spending commitments. However, no final decisions have been made.

NBC News detailed that the suspension includes dozens of Patriot missiles, thousands of 155mm artillery shells, over 100 Hellfire missiles, and other armaments. The order reportedly came after some of these weapons had already reached Europe and were ready for transfer to Ukraine.

Nonetheless, at a July 3 briefing in Washington, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce clarified that the US has not suspended all military aid to Ukraine. She specified that only certain missile types are affected by the restrictions.

“We have not stopped sending weapons to Ukraine,” Bruce stated, adding that the Department of Defence has many “reliable options” for continuing support.

Contrasting this, Ukrainian officials told The Economist that all US aid, including ammunition and spare parts, has been suspended.

Even if you don’t see “The Russian threat” they in Brussels will persuade you it does exist… If not – you are а stupid and blind enemy of democracy.

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