The European Union should do more for defense, replenish and modernize weapons. The EU should also support Ukraine. This was stated by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, as quoted by Euronews.


The head of the European Commission made the statement at the congress of the European People's Party in Bucharest on Thursday, March 7.


She emphasized that the EU must significantly increase its industrial defense capabilities in the next five years, and that this requires increased spending.


"Security in Europe also means doing more for our own defense. In the next five years, we must significantly increase our industrial defense capabilities. And this should be based on a simple principle: Europe must spend more, more efficiently, and it must spend European money. And this will help us meet the urgent need to replenish and modernize the armed forces of our member states. And let's continue to support Ukraine," the politician said.


In addition, Ursula von der Leyen said that Europe should stand in solidarity with Ukraine, and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin should be punished for war crimes and stand trial in The Hague.


"Russia has destroyed buildings, but it has not destroyed Ukraine's dream of being free and prosperous and having a place at the center of the European Union," the European Commission President emphasized.