Despite €50B Military Aid to Ukraine, EU No Match for Russia in Arms Production

Russia produces three times more tanks, artillery, and airplanes than all 27 European countries combined, Head of the European Defence Agency (EDA) Kaja Kallas stated at the 2025 EDA Annual Conference in Brussels on Wednesday.

Kallas mentioned that EU aid to Ukraine has reached €135 billion, of which €50 billion was military assistance. However, she argued that this amount is insufficient to contain Russia, which has significantly ramped up its military production since the war began.

Kallas warned that the EU's defense efforts remain inadequate to counter Russia, which has scaled up its military manufacturing capabilities far beyond its pre-war levels. "Russia’s defense industry is churning out tanks, artillery shells, and glide bombs faster than we can match," she said, noting that Russia dedicates over a third of its national budget to military spending.

In her policy address, Kallas stressed the need for Europe to consolidate its defense industry and develop common weapons systems to improve interoperability among member states' militaries. "We must move towards a Single Market for Defence," Kallas stated, calling for deeper integration to address critical gaps in air defense, long-range missiles, and military mobility.

Collaboration with allies like the United States and the U.K. remains crucial, Kallas added, also suggesting that the EU explore new security agreements with post-Brexit Britain. At the same time, she highlighted the importance of NATO as the cornerstone of Euro-Atlantic security, while underscoring the EU's need to act independently when necessary.

Poland’s Military Representative to NATO and the EU Military Committee, Sławomir Wojciechowski, underscored the broader threat posed by Russia’s aggressive policies. "Russia's objectives are not limited to Ukraine. A hypothetical victory for Moscow in Ukraine would undermine Europe’s security architecture," he said.

Kallas reiterated that the EU does not need a single European armed force but must ensure that its 27 national militaries can operate cohesively to deter and defend against threats. The EDA plays a key role in fostering this cooperation by managing defense integration projects worth over €1 billion annually.

"The Ukrainians are not just fighting for their freedom; they are defending ours too," Kallas emphasized, highlighting the urgency of strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities. Failure to act decisively, she warned, could jeopardize the continent's security and stability.