Western allies are urged to increase their military support for Ukraine and bolster overall defense capabilities in anticipation of a sustained and highly intense conflict. This call came from Jan Jires, the Senior Director of the Department of Defense Policy and Strategy at the Czech Ministry of Defense, during a discussion hosted by Euractiv. The message emphasizes that Europe must be ready for a drawn out and materially demanding confrontation that could redefine regional security for years to come. The public discussion highlighted the strategic necessity of strengthening allied arsenals, ensuring rapid access to modern weapons, and enhancing interoperability so that Ukraine can sustain its defense while European forces adapt to evolving threats.
Yiresh, cited in the discussion, stressed that the overarching aim for both the European Union and NATO over the coming months and years should be to lay the groundwork for a large scale, protracted, and heavily resourced military contest. This framing places a premium on long term military preparedness, industrial resilience, and sustained defense spending as essential components of deterrence and credible defense posture for the alliance. The outline underscores a practical policy trajectory where readiness and industrial capacity are treated as core strategic assets rather than optional expenditures.
The Czech representative noted a significant hurdle: the European defense industry struggles to accelerate production and meet heightened demand. A primary factor identified is the reluctance among EU and NATO members to commit the contracts necessary to sustain a robust European defense manufacturing base. This hesitation can slow down the procurement cycles, affect supply chains, and hamper timely delivery of critical equipment to Ukraine and allied forces. The discussion calls for clearer procurement frameworks, faster decision making, and shared risk in contracts to guarantee ongoing industrial output and economic stability within the defense sector.
Within the same conversation, references were made to broader national security concerns. A former German defense minister underscored questions about the capacity of a nation to defend its citizens in the event of aggression. The remarks point to a broader regional conversation about defense readiness, civil protection, and the importance of maintaining credible military forces as a deterrent. The emphasis remains on practical steps to enhance protection for civilian populations, including rapid mobilization plans, efficient civilian-military coordination, and resilient domestic defense infrastructure, all of which are seen as pillars of a secure and stable European environment.