Air defence and additional defence funding: Ukraine’s key priorities ahead of the Ramstein-format meeting

Minister of Defence of Ukraine Evgeniy Khmara held a phone call with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

The main focus of the call was preparations for an effective meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (Ramstein format), which will take place in the coming days.

Ukraine’s priority needs

During the call, the parties discussed Ukraine’s priority needs: first and foremost, the provision of air defence systems and additional funding for the Defence Forces of Ukraine.

Evgeniy Khmara emphasised that partners’ support in these areas is a key priority for Ukraine ahead of the Ramstein-format meeting.

Consolidated support from partners

The Minister of Defence emphasized the importance of consolidated support from partners for air defence and defence funding. Ukraine counts on partners’ continued unity and swift decisions needed to protect lives and strengthen the front.

Evgeniy Khmara thanked NATO and personally Secretary General Mark Rutte for their effective assistance to Ukraine.

The Minister also highlighted the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) programme, which helps ensure the delivery of critical weapons to the Defence Forces of Ukraine.