EU to boost defence against Russia’s hybrid threats

EU leaders will push plans to integrate military capabilities, increase weapons production for Ukraine, and strengthen security against cyber and drone threats at next week’s European Council summit in Brussels.

According to a draft joint statement obtained by Politico, the summit on December 18 will address an “intensified hybrid campaign” from Russia and its ally Belarus, Caliber.Az reports.

Leaders are expected to call “for accelerated efforts to strengthen resilience, protect critical infrastructure, and prevent, deter and respond to hybrid attacks throughout the Union, including through further restrictive measures.”

The summit will also focus on the rapid implementation of new funding measures that have made billions available for military hardware.

Discussions are set to include the “establishment of capability coalitions with a view to launching concrete projects in the first half of 2026,” enabling EU capitals to collaborate on shared tools to manage threats such as airspace incursions.

Military support for Kyiv will feature prominently, with proposals for “the establishment of Ukrainian defence production in Member States,” allowing equipment to be manufactured within the EU and shipped directly to Ukrainian forces.

A key section of the draft regarding Ukraine’s funding from the middle of next year is still under negotiation, particularly on the use of frozen Russian assets to underwrite a €210 billion loan. The text currently reads: “Subject to EU law, Russia’s assets should remain immobilised until Russia ceases its war of aggression against Ukraine and compensates it for the damage caused by its war.”

The summit, the final EU top-level political meeting of the year, will focus on ensuring Kyiv can maintain its defence capabilities until at least 2027 and navigating an increasingly hostile geopolitical environment. Ahead of the talks, U.S. President Donald Trump told Politico that U.S. allies in Europe are “weak” and that Ukraine is losing the war against Russia.

European Council President António Costa, who will chair the summit, responded by urging the White House to show “respect” and stand with its allies.

By Aghakazim Guliyev