The Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Ukraine’s Integration into the EU, Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, met with the newly appointed EU Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius. The discussion focused on supporting Ukraine’s defence against Russia and the prospects for strengthening European defence capabilities.

Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze noted that Russia continues to raise the stakes in the war without any willingness for dialogue. “For Ukraine to survive as a state, further military support from the EU and the US is essential,” she emphasised.

Andrius Kubilius stressed the importance of the “peace through strength” approach, noting that Putin is waging both a military and an information war. Therefore, it is necessary to counter the narratives and implement practical projects to strengthen Ukraine.

Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze also emphasised the need to increase the percentage of GDP spent on defence in European countries. “This is necessary for Europe to be ready for defence. The Danish initiative to invest in Ukrainian defence is a practical step in this direction,” said the Chair of the Committee. She warned that without Russia’s strategic defeat, the European Union will not have a peaceful future. “If Ukraine falls, Europe will be forced to prepare for war,” said Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze.