Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov spoke about the results of the meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense in the "Ramstein" format. In particular, partners will provide $4 billion to strengthen air defense and over $1.5 billion for UAVs. Fedorov announced this on Telegram, as reported by UNN.
The main outcomes of the Contact Group meeting: Ukraine systematically counteracts the enemy and increases results. Despite one of the most difficult winters and massive missile and drone attacks, we stood firm. Following the President's directive, we strengthened air defense, are deterring and exhausting the enemy on the battlefield. In parallel, we are pressuring the aggressor's economy, particularly in energy, limiting its ability to finance the war. These results are a joint effort with partners. Today, we have new contributions to PURL from Belgium, Norway, Bulgaria, Lithuania, and Estonia.
– Fedorov wrote.
Specifically:
- The United Kingdom is providing its largest drone support package this year;
- Germany is investing $4 billion in strengthening air defense. Another $600 million will be provided for the development of deep strike and mid-strike capabilities;
- The Netherlands is allocating 248 million euros for UAVs;
- Norway is allocating $560 million for basic drone provision to brigades and $150 million for a logistics hub;
- Spain is allocating 215 million euros within SAFE and reinforcing air defense with additional Patriot missiles;
- Canada is making contributions: $15 million to the NSATU fund, $42 million to the Czech initiative, and $17 million for critical engineering equipment;
- Lithuania is allocating $39 million to the Czech initiative, $29 million to PURL, and is also reinforcing the Defense Forces with armored vehicles and supporting military rehabilitation;
- Belgium is allocating 75 million euros to the Czech initiative, 75 million euros to the German air defense initiative, and 85 million euros to the drone coalition. It also supports F-16s and strengthens sanctions pressure on the Russian shadow fleet;
- Estonia is joining the strengthening of air defense – $13 million for PURL.
I particularly note the initiative to strengthen air defense, launched by Boris Pistorius – 2 billion euros have already been raised for urgent deliveries. There were also important signals of support from the United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada regarding further expansion of cooperation. Today, we presented partners with a new project for training AI on combat data.
– Fedorov added.
In addition, Fedorov stated that Ukrainian priorities remain unchanged:
- strengthening air defense;
- development of drones and missiles;
- providing the front with extended-range ammunition.
Recall
The next meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense in the "Ramstein" format is scheduled to take place in June. In addition, Ukraine wants to hold a closed meeting between deputy ministers in a month to discuss the PURL mechanism.
