Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal held a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Kyiv.
"We had a substantive and meaningful dialogue on defense cooperation between Ukraine and the Alliance. I highly praised Mark Rutte’s leadership in launching NATO initiatives to support our country. In particular, within the PURL mechanism developed jointly with NATO and the U.S., about 1.5 billion dollars in military aid have already been mobilized," said Denys Shmyhal.
According to him, it is important to continue productive cooperation within the Coalition of the Willing.
The parties discussed preparations for the next "Ramstein" format meeting and the future strengthening of NATO’s role, as well as coordinated issues regarding funding for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the development of the defense industry.
"Our priorities are clear: achieving NATO standards, integrating into global supply chains, implementing innovations and technologies tested in battle. I thank NATO and the Secretary General for their strong, unwavering support of Ukraine. Together, we are building a peaceful and secure future for the next generations," emphasized the Defense Minister.
Additionally, Denys Shmyhal and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited one of Ukraine’s largest drone production enterprises.
This enterprise regularly fulfills state contracts by supplying drones to Ukraine’s Defense Forces. Despite security threats amid the full-scale war, it continues to grow and implement innovative approaches to scaling up production, noted the Defense Minister.
"Ukraine has unique experience in battlefield innovations and production technologies, and we are ready to share it with NATO partners. We count on the Alliance to continue supporting Ukraine’s defense industry and investing in our shared security," concluded Denys Shmyhal.
