Von der Leyen: “We urgently need to rearm Ehre”

The Guardian reports this, as reported by Ukrinform.

Von der Leyen was among the first to leave the room and the first of the leaders to respond, saying that participants had had a “fruitful and frank discussion” about what was needed to strengthen Ukraine’s position.

She emphasized that Ukraine needs “comprehensive security guarantees” that support its economic and military capabilities.

Von der Leyen stressed the urgent need to retool Eure, saying the European Commission would present a plan to do so at the European Council on 6 March because she believed “we really need to take significant steps”.

“It is now critical to increase investment in defence for the long term. This is necessary for the security of the European Union, and we need […] in the geostrategic environment in which we find ourselves to be prepared for the worst, and therefore it is necessary to strengthen defence,” she noted.

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She also stressed that Europeans should work to “essentially turn Ukraine into a steel porcupine, unacceptable to potential invaders.”

Asked about her message to the US, she replied: “We are ready to stand with you in defense of democracy and the rule of law, so that there is no possibility of invading […] and intimidating neighbors or changing borders by force.”

On March 2, an international summit in support of Ukraine was held in London.

The summit was attended by the leaders of Germany, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Spain, Canada, Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Romania, as well as the Turkish Foreign Minister, the NATO Secretary General and the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council.