FT News Briefing Ukraine pleads for air defence missiles
Apr 20, 2023
Ukraine urgently requests surface-to-air missiles as their defense stocks dwindle amidst escalating attacks. Meanwhile, the EU sees a nearly 18% drop in natural gas consumption due to past price shocks. In a surprising twist, Germany is moving towards the legalization of recreational cannabis, indicating a shift in societal attitudes. The podcast dives into the implications of these significant topics, exploring the intersection of military needs and changing laws in Europe.
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Reduced EU Gas Consumption
- Fears of a European gas shortage after Russia's invasion of Ukraine were prevalent.
- New EU study shows natural gas consumption fell by 18% in eight months, partly due to a mild winter and conservation efforts.
Ukraine's Air Defense Needs
- Ukraine needs more surface-to-air missiles from Western allies to protect its counteroffensive from Russian air attacks.
- Ukraine's current missile shortage is due to Russia's continuous missile and drone attacks depleting their air defense resources.
Germany's Cannabis Legalization
- Germany's proposed cannabis legalization aims to address the ineffective criminalization of drugs, reduce police workload, and combat the black market.
- Unlike the Netherlands, Germany's plan involves nonprofit cannabis clubs for cultivation and distribution, not commercial cafes.