The situation in Ukraine and in the Red Sea and the European Defence Industrial Strategy were discussed in the informal meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, composed of Defence Ministers, in Brussels, on January 30-31, where Cyprus' Defence Minister, Vasilis Palmas participated. Defence Ministers were informed about the current situation in Ukraine and discussed future commitments of EU and member-states regarding security, a relevant announcement notes. EU Ministers examined ways of immediate, mid-term and long-term support for Ukraine, it is added. They were also briefed by the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell and the Commissioner responsible for the internal market, Thierry Breton, regarding the European Defence Industrial Strategy. They also discussed progress in the implementation of the Rapid Deployment Capacity (RDC), which is one of the main deliverables of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and a necessary step for the European Uni on to become an autonomous security provider. Regarding the security situation in the Sahel region and the Red Sea, the discussion focused on the EU's effort to maintain freedom of navigation in the region, through a new naval mission. Before the meeting, the Minister of Defence met with Borrell, and informed him about the security situation in the Republic of Cyprus, which was followed by an exchange of views on regional and international security issues, the announcement concludes. Source: Cyprus News Agency