EU defence agency chief: Europe cannot rely on U.S. alone as shield

FILE PHOTO: Soldiers participate in the exercise mission FALCON AUTUMN of 11 Airmobile Brigade and the Defense Helicopter Command in Drachten, Netherlands November 11, 2022. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw/File Photo

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union states should buy arms jointly to replenish stocks after supplying Ukraine, said the bloc's defence agency, warning the United States may not always be able to shield Europe from threats.

"The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine demonstrates our capability shortfalls," said Jiri Sedivy, chief executive of the European Defence Agency, an EU body that helps the bloc's governments to develop their military capabilities.