Kallas: Russia's hybrid attacks will not diminish EU support for Ukraine

The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, told an EU defence ministers' meeting in Ireland that Russia's hybrid attacks will not succeed in weakening Europe's readiness to keep helping Ukraine.

Kallas said such attacks are seen as attempts to intimidate and divide European countries, but stressed this would not change the bloc's stance on backing Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.

Air defence remains a challenge

At the same time, the EU's top diplomat openly acknowledged that member states are struggling to provide Ukraine with the air defence weapons it needs. This admission points to the difficulties European countries face in meeting Ukraine's requests for modern air defence systems, which are needed to protect the country from Russian missile and drone strikes.

The meeting in Ireland brought together EU defence ministers to discuss further support for Ukraine and broader regional security issues.