Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Defense, Serhiy Boyev, spoke at the OFDEF conference focused on coordinating defense support from partner countries. He outlined the current security situation, Russia’s plans for 2026, and Ukraine’s key defense priorities.
According to Boyev, since September last year, Russia has intensified offensive actions along the entire front line and is preparing for further escalation. However, with sustained international support, Russia is unable to achieve any of its operational objectives.
“Together with our partners, we have developed a military strategy that includes defending Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure, stabilizing the front, striking Russian logistics in depth, and targeting the enemy’s strategic assets,” Boyev emphasized.
To implement this strategy in 2026, Ukraine requires $120 billion. Half of this—$60 billion—will come from Ukraine’s budget and EU loans, while the remaining $60 billion is expected from partners in the form of security assistance.
Key priorities for 2026 include air defense and missile defense systems, missiles for these systems, Ukrainian-made drones, and extended-range artillery munitions. Ukraine urges partners to allocate roughly 80% of security aid to these three areas. In the drone sector, Ukraine plans to produce over 7 million units in 2026. Unmanned technologies have become the backbone of asymmetric defense, creating a strike zone up to 20 km deep. The next goal is to expand this zone to 100 km by targeting Russian assets in operational depth.
Boyev also stressed the critical need for air defense. Russia has significantly increased production and deployment of cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as strike drones. Ukraine urgently needs missile deliveries for key air defense systems, along with long-range strike and aviation weapons.
“Decision-making speed and rapid delivery are crucial. Every interceptor saves lives and protects infrastructure,” the Deputy Minister noted. Ukraine also called on partners to actively engage in the PURL initiative, a key mechanism for supplying modern air defense and strike systems.
Boyev concluded that strengthening support for Ukraine in 2026 is essential to deter Russian aggression and create the conditions for a just and lasting peace.
