European Union’s Military Support to Ukraine: Enhancing Defence Readiness
In a pivotal meeting conducted on 28 May 2024, European leaders discussed the evolving dynamics of military support to Ukraine amidst heightened geopolitical tensions. The discussion underscored a significant shift in EU defence strategy, marked by a newfound emphasis on readiness and robust military capabilities. Two years ago, terms like "Rapid Deployment Force" were cautiously avoided in favour of more neutral language like "Rapid Deployment Capacity." However, the urgency brought about by the conflict in Ukraine has prompted a re-evaluation. Now, there is a consensus on the need for a decisive "Rapid Deployment Force" to bolster EU defence preparedness against current and future threats. The meeting, attended by Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov via videoconference and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in person, focused on enhancing military assistance to Ukraine. Discussions encompassed commitments to air defence systems, ammunition supp