"We have to focus on the capacity of the EU member states to increase the support to Ukraine. There have been several warnings, letters have been sent asking them to see what they can do [because] we need to [send] more ammunition, more launchers, [...] to provide interceptors for the batteries that already exist and to increase the number of batteries and let's see what the member states are able to do and to mobilise", Josep Borrell said.

Upon entering the meeting of the European Foreign and Defence Ministers, in Luxembourg, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy added: "We don't have it in Brussels, it has to be the member states".

The statements come after Josep Borrell sent a letter to the EU Foreign and Defence Ministers last week asking them for more air defence systems and more ammunition for Ukraine.

"We work for Ukraine every day, we don't do it only when there are Councils. We prepare decisions, we inform the member states, we analyse the situation, we make requests on what they can do [...] and today is the day for the member states to see what they can do", he added.

At today's meeting, the ministers will also try to reach a political agreement to extend the European sanctions to Iran.

"I hope that all the member states will agree, but as you know, unanimity is needed", Josep Borrell pointed out, noting that, in the Middle East, "the situation in Gaza remains exactly the same" and that the EU still needs to "re-examine the situation of violent Israeli settlers".

"I hope it will be possible to make some decisions", he added.

When asked about a possible revision (requested by Spain and Ireland) of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, the main legal instrument governing bilateral relations between the two partners in force since 2000, Josep Borrell said that "nothing has yet been done on the Commission's side" and that, for his part, he is trying to have "political guidance" to assess it.

The EU Foreign and Defence Ministers are meeting today in Luxembourg to try to reach a political agreement to extend sanctions against Iran, and to discuss the Ukrainian request for anti-aircraft defence systems.

Following Iran's recent attack on Israel and after the initial intention expressed at an extraordinary meeting on the situation in the Middle East last week, EU ministers are today seeking a political agreement to sanction Iranian missiles and extend restrictive measures against Iranian individuals and entities responsible for the transfer of 'drones' (unmanned aircraft).

As for Ukraine, the EU Foreign and Defence Ministers will discuss recent requests by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for allies to step up the sending of anti-aircraft systems to the country to protect it from Russian attacks.

Kiev has asked these allies, namely the EU, for support similar to that given to Israel, after the United States, in coordination with France and the United Kingdom, repelled the recent attack with about 300 Iranian 'drones' and missiles.

Today's meeting in Luxembourg takes place at the height of the debate on increasing support for Ukraine against Russian attacks on its cities and critical infrastructure.

Read Also: EU ministers discuss sanctions on Iran and anti-aircraft defence for Ukraine (Portuguese version)