EU Commissioner Kubilius: Ukrainian Innovations Vital for European Defence

In a rapid blitz-interview with Interfax-Ukraine, EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius shared Europe's firm stance on continued military support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war. Speaking from Kyiv, the Commissioner highlighted the most pressing priorities: massive scaling of drone production, learning from Ukrainian frontline experience in drone warfare and counter-drone systems, urgent steps to increase European missile output, expanding ammunition supplies, and deepening cooperation to modernize anti-ballistic defence.

Text: Valerie Proshchenko

Q: My opening question is on drone innovations: how is communication going with the Ukrainian side, what can Europe learn from our experience, and which areas need more development?

A.K: Well, first of all, we definitely want to support Ukrainian drone production, which is very much needed for Ukraine’s defense. We are talking with the Defense Minister, and as you know, we are now finalizing all the details of the so-called 60 billion Ukrainian support loan. I hope that a decision will be found in the EU Council quite soon, despite the traditional Hungarian opposition, because this loan is crucial to keep Ukraine able to fight. That’s very clear.

We are discussing with Ukrainian authorities what their priorities are and what kinds of weapons they want to acquire. Of course, drones are one of the top priorities. There is a real need to produce millions and millions of drones - more than 7 million. Some drones could perhaps also be produced in Europe, but the majority should be made in Ukraine. That is our clear priority. Besides drones, of course, missiles and 155 mm extended-range ammunition are the other two main priorities.

Secondly, we definitely