Author: dmitriy.vasyura@gmail.com

European Commissioner for defense Andrius Kubilius proposes to increase the EU defense budget to 100 billion euros. It is planned to modernize the defense industry and strengthen cooperation with NATO.

The European Commissioner proposes to allocate 100 billion euros for the EU's defense potential in response to the threat of the Russian Federation. This is reported by Politico, reports UNN.

Details

European Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius has proposed significantly increasing funding for the European Union's defense sector. He believes that about 100 billion euros should be allocated in the next seven-year budget to strengthen security. This is significantly more than the current EU budget, where only мільярдів 10 billion has been allocated for defense. The main reason is the risk that Russian aggression continues to pose after the invasion of Ukraine.

Kubilius stressed the need to modernize the defense industry, which has not been functioning at full capacity in recent decades. To achieve this, it is planned to raise funds through joint debt, expansion of the EU budget and adaptation of investment mechanisms. He also believes that defense spending should be exempt from the current budget deficit cap, which will allow the EU to better respond to challenges.

Strengthening cooperation between the EU and NATO is also an important step. Kubilius pointed out that NATO has already identified a shortage of capabilities, which requires the creation of new military units and the purchase of necessary weapons, in particular tanks and artillery systems. Close cooperation between the alliance's member states and the EU will help close these gaps more effectively.

The European commissioner also drew attention to the fact that modern threats require not only standard military measures, but also new approaches to cooperation and the production of weapons.

EU countries are trying to raise 1.5 billion dollars to buy shells for Ukraine – mediaFeb 23 2024, 10:00 AM • 36536 views

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has linked the fall of the Syrian regime to the possibility of defeating Russia and its allies.

Source: Tusk on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Tusk’s tweet was his first comment on the unprecedented events in Syria that have led to the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

Quote: "The events in Syria have made the world realise once again, or at least they should, that even the most cruel regime may fall and that Russia and its allies can be defeated."

Background:

• Syrian rebels announced they had taken control of Damascus on 8 December, signalling the end of over two decades of Bashar al-Assad’s rule. Assad was reported to have fled the country.
• Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis also believes the events in Syria demonstrate that Russia can be defeated in Ukraine.
• EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas reacted to the toppling of Assad’s regime in Syria, highlighting it as evidence of the weakness of Russia and Iran.
• Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala stated that Assad’s reliance on Russia has failed.

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The commander of the 707th Special Forces group claimed responsibility for the raid on the South Korean parliament. He stated that the soldiers acted on the orders of the former defense minister, who later resigned.

In South Korea, a special forces officer claimed responsibility for raiding Parliament. This is reported by Reuters, reports UNN.

Details

According to him, the actions of the Special Forces of the 707th group of the special mission were dictated by orders, and the soldiers became "victims" involved in this operation at the request of former Defense Minister Kim Yong hyun. The minister resigned after an incident that caused a wide response in the country.

The situation has become one of the most discussed topics in society, sparking discussions about the use of military units in political conflicts and the ethical responsibility of the leadership of the Armed Forces.

South Korea: President and Defense Minister charged with high treason, prosecutors ban travel of high-ranking officialsDec 5 2024, 08:13 AM • 15481 view

Defence Intelligence of Ukraine has described reports that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has been killed in a plane crash as disinformation.

Source: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) on Telegram

Quote: "Bashar al-Assad’s escape from Damascus was accompanied by reports that the Syrian dictator’s Il-76T aircraft had disappeared from monitoring radars, allegedly due to a shootdown or a crash.

The information available indicates that this disinformation was used by the aggressor state, Russia, as cover for its operation to rescue the Syrian leader and a limited circle of his close associates.

The loss of the plane’s radar signal was likely linked to the actions of the crew, who were following instructions from the Russians and conducted the flight under their guidance."

Details: DIU noted that the remnants of Russia’s contingent in Syria are "hurriedly packing up and departing by sea and air".

It was also reported that, following General Sergei Kisel’s exit, the newly appointed Russian military group commander in Syria, General Alexander Chaiko, has left the country after just a week in post.

"The Russians have deployed additional ships, including vessels from the aggressor state’s Baltic fleet, to evacuate the remaining weapons, equipment and personnel," DIU added.

Background:

• On the morning of 8 December, Syrian insurgents declared the liberation of Damascus. Assad fled the country.
• Reuters reported that there was a "very high probability" that Assad may have been killed in a plane crash on 8 December.
• Meanwhile, Russia claimed that following negotiations with the rebels, Bashar al-Assad had decided to step down from the presidency and leave the country, ordering a peaceful transfer of power.

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