Ukraine’s Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal participated in the latest meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
The head of the defense ministry addressed partners and allies with a call for continued support, primarily regarding the procurement of American weapons for Ukraine.
“Patriot air defense systems and their interceptor missiles are critically important for protecting our cities,” emphasized Denys Shmyhal.
He also added that Ukraine needs $6 billion to cover this year’s procurement shortfall.
“This will allow us to produce more FPV drones, more interceptor drones to counter the Shahed drones, and additional long-range weapons,” the defense minister stressed.
The U.S. is initiating a new mechanism together with NATO to enable European countries to purchase American arms for Ukraine. European partners have already expressed readiness to contribute financially.
During the meeting, the specific operational mechanism of this initiative was discussed. Germany will join the transfer of five Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, expected to arrive soon. Additionally, Germany is providing over 200,000 shells for Gepard systems and financing the procurement of Ukrainian long-range drones.
Other key partner decisions include:
- Canada will continue funding Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex through the “Danish model” and is allocating 20 million Canadian dollars for servicing Ukrainian tanks
- The Netherlands is providing €200 million for interceptor drones and €125 million for F-16 aircraft maintenance
- Norway allocated a total of €1 billion in 2025 for drone purchases, including €400 million for procurement from the Ukrainian defense-industrial complex
- Sweden is preparing a new package including air defense systems, artillery, and equipment
Denys Shmyhal also emphasized Ukraine’s expectation for consistent support in 2026. SAFE credits are a critically important funding source for next year, and it is necessary to ensure Ukraine’s inclusion in this program.
“At the same time, we continue to develop the ‘Build with Ukraine’ initiative to localize Ukrainian companies in partner countries and will further expand joint defense-industrial projects,” said the Ukrainian defense minister.
Most importantly, he stressed the need to continue pressure on Russia and hit its economy with sanctions.
Participants in the latest Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting included NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Christopher G. Cavoli, and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas.
The Ukrainian delegation included, among others, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Chief of the General Staff Major General Andrii Hnatov, Chief of Intelligence Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, First Deputy Defense Minister Serhii Boiev, and other security and defense sector representatives.
