The EU has “too many hot air politicians” whose “uselessness” is helping Russia win in Ukraine, a top defence analyst has told the Express.co.uk.
His comments come as Ukraine’s Foreign Minister told his EU counterparts and defence ministers that the time for talking was over and the bloc needed to act boldly and decisively.
The Russian army has regained the battlefield initiative, as Ukrainian ammunition stocks have started to run out – primarily due to a months-long delay in Washington regarding the passage of a military aid package.
Ukraine’s problems have been compounded by persistent delays to deliveries of weapons and ammunition from EU governments.
Procrastination and infighting among EU leaders have also seriously hampered Kyiv’s ability to defend its territory from the Russian hordes.
Both President Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently held up a vital agreement to top up the bloc’s defence funds for Ukraine, and now EU ministers cannot agree on supplying Kyiv with Patriots.
Glen Grant, a defence analyst for the Baltic Security Foundation and a former Lieutenant Colonel in the British Army, accused the EU of not being “fit for purpose”.
“There is a vast gulf between words and action. The EU has too many hot air politicians who make empty promises,” he told Express.co.uk
“This crisis should be a wake up call that the EU was designed for another age and is no longer fit for purpose.
“It may not be deliberately aiming to aid Russia but by its uselessness, it is doing so.”
Ukraine is desperately in need of new air defence systems and has been pleading with EU members for more assistance.
In particular Kyiv says it needs more Patriot systems, as well as Soviet-developed S-300s to defend itself from the barrage of Russian aerial bombardments on its cities and energy infrastructure.
Germany, which had previously given two Patriot units to Ukraine, initially said it would give no more, before agreeing to send one additional system after outrage among opposition politicians.
Poland also ruled out providing air defence reinforcements for Zelensky’s army, saying its military could not spare them.
At a meeting of EU foreign and defence ministers today, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said it was time for the EU to match talk with deeds.
“We need concrete and bold decisions today to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot and SAMP/T systems, missiles, artillery and ammunition, and other weapons and equipment as soon as possible,” he said.
“Now that you are all here at the table, it’s time to act, not to debate.”
