Kubilius: Within three or four years, Russia may drag us into a real conflict

The EU Commissioner for Defense and Space, Andrius Kubilius, warned in an interview for the Italian daily “La Stampa” that Russia is ready to drag the EU into a real conflict within three or four years. The Lithuanian politician believes that European defense capabilities should be integrated with Ukrainian ones, already tested in combat.

“The problem is not the present, but the future. The Russian economy has transformed into a war economy. That is why we need to strengthen ourselves. We have a very clear action plan and two challenges that we must face,” Kubilius emphasized.

“There is a threat of possible Russian aggression. Our intelligence services confirm this publicly and clearly: in the next three or four years, Russia could be ready to test us in a real conflict,” Kubilius warned.

The EU commissioner added: “The second challenge comes from the Americanswho are calling on us to take more responsibility for European defense as they need to shift more resources to the Indo-Pacific region.”

“Neither in NATO nor in the European Union do we have combat experience. Only Ukrainians have them. Therefore, in addition to discussing security guarantees for Ukraine, we must consider how to integrate Ukrainian defense capabilities, already tested on the battlefield, with European ones – in order to also strengthen ourselves,” Kubilius emphasized.

He also expressed the opinion that using frozen Russian assets is the most effective way to finance Ukraine's military and budgetary needs.

“It would also be a strong signal to Putin that he will gain nothing by continuing the war. We must avoid an agreement that will put Ukraine in a weak position that will facilitate Russian aggression in the future,” said the EU commissioner.

On Thursday, EU countries managed to reach an agreement to freeze Russian assets permanently, without having to make decisions on this issue every six months, with the consent of all capitals. The solution was adopted by a clear majority of Member States.

The decision was finalized on Friday. Only two countries were against the regulation banning the transfer of frozen funds back to Russia. Earlier, Hungary and Slovakia announced their opposition.

The countries' consent to the permanent freezing of Russian assets does not determine whether a reparations loan financed from this money will be granted to Ukraine. However, the decision is perceived as a significant breakthrough, bringing the Community closer to this goal. (PAP)

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