As Russia pushes to sever Western military support for Ukraine, the European Union is quietly defying Vladimir Putin’s demands, forging ahead with a robust “porcupine strategy” to fortify Kyiv’s defenses.

At an EU summit in Brussels on Thursday, leaders signaled unwavering commitment to arming Ukraine, even as U.S.-led peace talks—excluding European voices—unfold. The bloc’s plan: transform Ukraine’s military and defense industry into a prickly, self-reliant force capable of deterring Moscow long-term.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz set the tone, stressing that Ukraine must emerge from any peace deal as an independent democracy with a potent army, poised for EU integration.

“It’s central that we continue to support Ukraine significantly,” he told reporters, a sentiment echoed by 26 EU nations—Hungary dissenting—in a call to urgently bolster Kyiv’s military needs. The strategy reflects deep mistrust of Putin, scarred by past deceptions like the 2014 Crimea annexation and the 2021 troop buildup denied as a prelude to invasion.

The EU’s blueprint, unveiled Wednesday by the European Commission, outlines a multi-pronged approach. It pledges air defense systems, long-range missiles, and drones, with member states pooling funds to procure and support Ukraine’s own production.

The bloc aims to deliver 2 million artillery shells annually and expand training for Ukrainian troops—already at 75,000—while tapping Kyiv’s battlefield expertise. Financially, beyond the €138 billion already given, a new €150 billion fund offers cheap loans for defense. With Russia’s intentions in doubt, the EU is betting on a steel-clad Ukraine as Europe’s frontline shield.