During the 29th meeting of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine in the Rammstein format, 52 states and international organizations took part. During the discussions, the main emphasis was placed on strengthening the defense potential of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. About this reported Minister of Defense of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.
As the official noted, the partners agreed on a number of decisions that will make it possible to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities in the near future. The United States, together with NATO, is launching a new mechanism that will enable European countries to purchase American weapons for Ukraine. European states have already confirmed their willingness to contribute to the financing of this initiative.
Germany is participating in the transfer of five Patriot systems, which should arrive in Ukraine in the near future. In addition, it transfers more than 200,000 shells for Gepard anti-aircraft guns and finances the purchase of Ukrainian long-range drones.
Canada will continue to support the Ukrainian defense-industrial complex through the so-called “Danish model” and is already allocating 20 million Canadian dollars for the maintenance of Ukrainian tanks. The Netherlands is spending €200 million on interceptor drones and another €125 million on F-16 fighter jet maintenance.
In 2025, Norway provides a total of one billion euros for the purchase of drones, of which 400 million is intended for orders directly from the Ukrainian defense sector. Sweden is preparing another aid package, which will include air defense systems, artillery and military equipment.
Among the participants of the event were NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Commander of the European Command of the US Armed Forces and Supreme Commander of the Joint NATO Forces in Europe General Alexus Grynkevich, as well as the High Representative of the European Union Kaia Kallas.
The Ukrainian side was represented by the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umyerov, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Chief of the General Staff Major General Andrii Hnatov, Head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, First Deputy Minister of Defense Serhii Boev and other representatives of the defense and security sector.
