Key facts
- European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius warned that Europe should prepare for more attacks following the suspected targeted killing of an exiled Russian dissident in Poland.
- The dissident, Semyon Skrepetsky, was killed on June 8 in eastern Poland.
- A suspect carrying a Georgian passport has been arrested in connection with the killing.
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the incident as a potential case of 'state-sponsored terrorism'.
- Kubilius stated that Russia is outproducing Europe in military capabilities, particularly in drone production.
- He called for increased defence production and market integration among EU member states.
European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius has warned that Europe must prepare for an increase in Russian provocations and potential attacks on its territory, citing the recent suspected targeted killing of an exiled Russian dissident in Poland. Kubilius stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is becoming increasingly desperate as Russia falters on the frontlines in Ukraine.
Speaking at the European Defence and Security Summit in Brussels, Kubilius highlighted the killing of Russian artist Semyon Skrepetsky, who was living in Poland and known for his critical paintings of Putin. Polish prosecutors are investigating the shooting death of Skrepetsky, and a suspect with a Georgian passport has been arrested. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has suggested the incident may represent 'state-sponsored terrorism' orchestrated by Moscow to spread fear and undermine support for Ukraine.
Kubilius used Skrepetsky's death as a stark warning, emphasizing that if EU member states do not take Russian threats seriously and fail to meet defensive capabilities through production, further shocks could occur. He noted that Russia continues to outproduce Europe in military hardware, including millions of drones. Kubilius questioned Europe's readiness to defend itself and deter aggression, especially as the United States is expected to withdraw significant strategic assets from the continent.
To address these challenges, Kubilius stressed the urgent need for Europe to increase its own weapons production and create a unified defence market. He proposed slashing red tape, improving military mobility, and prioritizing joint European defence projects. The European Commission is expected to present proposals next week on integrating Europe's fragmented defence markets and reforming procurement rules to facilitate production. Kubilius pointed out that Europe produced only 250 cruise missiles and no ballistic missiles in the past year, while Ukraine is producing more.