Kinshasa, September 1st, 2026 (CPA).- The European Union’s (EU) diplomatic chief has called on Tuesday for countries with air defense interceptors due to reach the end of their service life in the coming days to supply them to Ukraine, arguing that the country lacks the systems needed to protect its civilian population, the international media have reported.
“We know that some countries have interceptors that are due to expire soon. It would therefore be very helpful if these were supplied to Ukraine so that it can use them to protect its population,” has declared Kaja Kallas, the EU’s diplomatic chief. “The main issue is air defense. They lack interceptors,” she has added. Kaja Kallas has indicated that the EU is also approaching countries outside the bloc in order to obtain interceptors for Ukraine, whilst work is being carried out with Kyiv to develop European interceptors.
She has disclosed that ministers will begin by discussing the situation of Ukraine, adding that July and August have been the deadliest months for civilians in the country. “Russia is really stepping up its attacks to inflict as much harm as possible on the Ukrainian people in order to break them. The Ukrainians are holding firm and need support,” has added the EU’s diplomacy chief. Nevertheless, the ministers are also set to discuss space, which Kallas has described as an essential element of defense, emphasizing its civilian and military uses, as well as the protection of critical underwater infrastructure and further measures that can be taken jointly. “We really must redouble our efforts to remain a space power,” she has said. Kallas has also highlighted the Strait of Hormuz and the need to respect freedom of navigation, noting that it is important that there should be no tolls or charges for routes that were previously open. “The diplomatic efforts are continuing, but there have been no results so far,” she has specified. Kallas has mentioned the possibility of a European mission to support the Lebanese armed forces.