Politico: EU defence ministers to focus solely on Ukraine support at Brussels meeting

European Union defence ministers will meet in Brussels on February 11 for a Foreign Affairs Council devoted exclusively to one issue: military support for Ukraine, as the bloc confronts mounting security challenges and uncertainty over the future of transatlantic ties.

Ukraine’s Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, appointed last month after previously serving as minister of digital transformation, is expected to attend the meeting and brief his EU counterparts on Kyiv’s most urgent military requirements as Russia’s full-scale invasion nears its fourth year. A European official with knowledge of the talks, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions, confirmed Fedorov’s participation to Politico.

Fedorov is expected to press for additional air defence systems, including Patriot and NASAMS missiles, which have consistently topped Ukraine’s list of requests as it seeks to counter ongoing Russian aerial attacks. Ministers will also discuss what officials describe as “cooperation in defence innovation,” a term referring to the development and deployment of drones and other emerging military technologies.

The gathering comes amid growing concern in Europe about the reliability of US security guarantees. Fabrice Pothier, CEO of consultancy Rasmussen Global, said the meeting reflects a broader shift in European thinking.

“The meeting should see ‘Europe urgently thinking about a real Plan B for its own security’ as the U.S. increasingly withdraws from the transatlantic alliance,” Pothier said. “Europe must be able to stand on its own feet in the event that we are left to stand alone.”

Following the formal session, EU defence ministers are scheduled to attend an informal dinner. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is expected to hold an evening press conference to outline the outcomes of the discussions.

By Sabina Mammadli