The European Union has just taken a turn that leaves no one indifferent. Some will say that she is finally opening her eyes, giving up dreams of peaceful power, in the face of the ferocity of the world. Others, that it ventures into unnatural terrain. It is, however, a major upheaval: the Twenty-Sevenhave collectively decided to release 450 million euros to arm, including combat aircraft, and equip Ukrainian soldiers, as well as 50 million euros for fuel. An announcement made by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen – former German Defense Minister.
Big turning point
“It’s a double revolution in people’s minds. Not only does the EU donate arms, but it does so for a neighboring country,” emphasizes General Jacques Favin Lévèque, member of the board of the Eurodéfense-France association. Accustomed to the slow and difficult progress of military cooperation between Europeans, the soldier welcomes the message sent to Moscow: “Vladimir Putin will realize that Europe is not letting it go but reacting as one. He woke up NATO as well as diplomatic Europe, which is experiencing a new start. »
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Germany, hitherto hostile to any form of military aid – direct or indirect – made a 180° turn this weekend. Berlin announced the delivery to Kiev of 1,400 anti-tank rocket launchers, 500 surface-to-air Stinger missiles, at the same time as massive investments in armament (100 billion euros immediately). Sweden also broke with its doctrine by announcing the delivery of anti-tank weapons to Ukraine.
In France too the device is described as a turning point. “This war is causing a real awareness within the European Union and within NATO”, observes the staff of the armies. Paris has “acted” that “European coordination to support Ukraine with defensive means”confirmed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, after a defense council meeting on Monday 28 February.
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But the authorities refuse to detail the list of equipment requested by Kiev from Paris, as well as the nature of the support provided, in particular with regard to lethal weapons. Essentially, France will increase its deliveries of defensive equipment, helmets and bulletproof vests, anti-mine equipment and « bastion walls », elements whose metal frame can be filled with earth to form a protective fortress. France also has ongoing arms contracts with Ukraine (patrol boats, defensive missiles).
From the Sahel to Ukraine
To support Kiev, Brussels is using an existing system: the “European Peace Facility” (EFF). This budgetary instrument, the beginnings of which date back to 2016, aims to improve the Union’s ability to “preventing conflicts, consolidating peace and strengthening international security”. Its use was essentially designed with a view to helping African countries, particularly in the Sahel.
Until then, a consensus existed on the delivery of non-lethal equipment (helmets, bulletproof vests and means of surveillance). A State could choose to send equipment, then present the invoice to Brussels for partial reimbursement. The question of the transfer of lethal weapons was still debated, but the possibility was there. The war in Ukraine has completely swung the debate, and ceded reluctance.
“There is a rush that leaves you speechless”, comments Yannick Quéau, director of Grip, an expert in international security and the arms trade, who criticizes a “diversion” VET, an instrument that emerged in a completely different context. “There is a logic of improvisation and one-upmanship that you have to be wary of. Take the time to ask questions. Is it necessary in the Ukrainian context? In my opinion, no. This decision is taken without the EU having clarified the strategic role it intends to take. There is a real problem of democratic legitimacy, and I fear that we will regret it once the dust settles. »
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In France, the environmental MEP and French presidential candidate Yannick Jadot intended to ask the executive for details on the type of weapons issued. He judged on Franceinfo that it was a “normal exercise in transparency”.
Logistic issues
The routing of the armament is complicated to achieve. Since the Russians have virtual control of Ukrainian airspace, it will be done by land, in particular by “a coordination hub that will be held in Poland”, said Jean-Yves Le Drian. General Jacques Favin Lévèque wonders how the logistics will follow. “How quickly will the weapons be delivered? We do not produce a combat aircraft every day! Pilot training is very specialized depending on the type of aircraft. »
The Ukrainian military is mainly equipped with Mig-29. It is therefore this Soviet-made model that should be delivered for operational reasons. “Some Member States have this type of aircraft and we will supply them with other armaments necessary for a war”, said the head of European diplomacy Josep Borrell. This is the case of Poland, Bulgaria and Slovakia. But if they draw on their existing arsenal, NATO will have to fill in the gaps.