High-level meetings were held with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Sybiga. However, the start of his visit was marked by a massive Russian airstrike, forcing Kubilius and his hosts to take shelter.
Sheltering During the Air Attack
Kubilius spent part of his morning in a shelter due to the large-scale Russian missile barrage. Katarina Maternova, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), posted a photo on social platform X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“We welcome the European Defense Commissioner in hiding.”
The air raid alert disrupted the initial schedule, and discussions with Ukrainian officials commenced only after the alert was lifted. Early in the day, Kubilius also honored fallen Ukrainian defenders, paying tribute to their sacrifice before the working meetings resumed.
Focus of the Meetings: Arms, Air Defense, and Industrial Cooperation
The discussions between Kubilius and Ukrainian leadership centered on bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Key topics included:
- Arms and Ammunition Supplies: Ensuring a steady flow of weapons, artillery rounds, and air defense systems from European partners to meet Ukraine’s urgent security needs.
- Defense Industry Integration: Reinforcing cooperation between the Ukrainian defense-industrial complex and the EU’s production lines. Ukraine seeks to integrate into EU supply chains for weapons and military equipment manufacturing.
Prime Minister Shmyhal highlighted the importance of EU support, stating:
“Further strengthening of cooperation between the European and Ukrainian defense industries is vital for enhancing the EU’s defense capabilities and readiness for any future aggression. Ukrainian defense manufacturers should be integrated into EU supply chains.”
Additionally, Shmyhal proposed that European countries emulate the “Danish model,” wherein they invest in Ukrainian-made weapons for Ukraine. This strategy would boost local production and bolster Ukraine’s defense while also benefiting European allies.
EU Defense Innovation Office in Kyiv
Kubilius expressed optimism about the future of EU-Ukrainian defense cooperation:
“Through continued industrial cooperation, we can develop advanced solutions and strengthen international defense supply chains.”
He noted that the EU Defense Innovation Office, which opened in Kyiv in September, would be instrumental in maximizing the potential of joint ventures and research initiatives.
Strengthening Sanctions and Supporting Ukraine’s Victory Plan
In addition to defense cooperation, Ukrainian officials also raised the need to intensify sanctions against Russia and discussed the implementation of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s victory plan. The goal is to ensure that Ukraine not only withstands current aggression but also emerges more resilient and secure in the long term.
