EU's Kallas urges transfer of expiring interceptors to Ukraine

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Tuesday called on countries possessing air defense interceptors nearing expiration to transfer the systems to Ukraine, saying Kyiv lacks the capacity to protect civilians amid intensifying Russian strikes.

Air defense 'main issue'

Speaking in Wicklow, Ireland, ahead of an informal meeting of EU defense ministers, Kallas said the shortage of interceptors represents the primary obstacle to protecting Ukrainian population centers. “The main issue is air defence. They are lacking interceptors,” she told reporters upon arrival. “We know that some of the countries have interceptors that will expire soon. So, it would be very good if those would be given to Ukraine so that they can use them to protect their people,” she added.

Kallas noted that July and August had been the deadliest months for civilians since the conflict began, accusing Moscow of deliberately targeting population centers to break Ukrainian resolve. “Russia is really escalating to hurt the people of Ukraine as much as possible to break them,” she said, adding that Ukrainians were “standing strong” despite the pressure.

Diversifying supply sources

The bloc is simultaneously reaching out to non-EU nations to obtain additional interceptors for Ukraine, according to the foreign policy chief. Brussels is also working with Kyiv to develop European interceptor systems to reduce long-term dependency on external suppliers.

Security agenda expands

Beyond Ukraine, the ministers were scheduled to address space capabilities, maritime security, and undersea infrastructure protection. Kallas described space as a “key enabler of defense” with both civilian and military applications, stating: “We really need to step up so that we are still a space power.”

On maritime security, she highlighted the strategic Strait of Hormuz, where tensions have disrupted commercial navigation. “Diplomatic efforts are still ongoing, but no results at the moment,” she said regarding the waterway, emphasizing that there should be “no tolls, no fees” on previously open routes. The agenda also included discussions on a potential European mission to support Lebanese armed forces and measures to protect critical undersea cables and pipelines.

The informal gathering in Wicklow brings together defense ministers from across the 27-member bloc as the EU seeks to coordinate military assistance to Kyiv ahead of the winter season.