Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called on European partners to join forces in developing counter-ballistic missile capabilities, continue funding the PURL program, and ensure the rapid and flexible use of EU financial support.
During a videoconference with representatives of the E5 group – France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom – Fedorov discussed priorities for strengthening missile defense.
The meeting included Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, and NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska.
Fedorov emphasized that the European defense industry must urgently expand production capacity for ballistic missile countermeasures, as current output remains critically low.
Ukraine proposed launching joint projects with European countries to develop and produce counter-ballistic solutions. At the same time, the Defense Minister noted that Ukraine is already implementing its own initiatives in this area. He also stressed the importance of continuing PURL program funding, which currently serves as the key mechanism for acquiring PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems.
Fedorov thanked partners for concrete decisions made during the Ramstein meeting and specifically expressed gratitude to Boris Pistorius for the initiative to provide additional PAC-3 missile supplies. Ukraine has already begun receiving missiles under these agreements.
“Rapid implementation of agreements within hours is an example of how we should operate,” Fedorov highlighted.
He also noted that Ukraine is preparing proposals to increase economic pressure on Russia, including asymmetric measures against the Russian “shadow fleet,” relying on European leadership for implementation.
The discussions also focused on the importance of quickly and flexibly using the EU defense loan to Ukraine. According to the Defense Minister, these funds must serve the primary goal – the successful completion of the war in Ukraine’s favor.
